A tragic incident occurred in Wahiawa, Hawaii, when an 8-year-old boy with intellectual disabilities was attacked by a neighbor’s dog, leading to his death days later. The attack, which took place last Tuesday morning, was reported to police just after 11 a.m. According to Hawaii News Now, the assault was captured on home surveillance footage, which has been crucial for investigators to understand the events leading up to the attack.
The boy, who had intellectual disabilities, appeared to be alone and unattended in a neighbor’s yard when he was mauled by a large dog that was chained. When first responders arrived at the scene, the boy had no pulse. They were able to revive him before rushing him to the hospital with severe head and neck injuries. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries several days later.
Meriah Nichols, a disability studies professor at the University of Hawaii, expressed horror over the incident, noting that children with intellectual disabilities, such as those with Down syndrome and autism, are often prone to wandering or “eloping.” This behavior can lead them to places that may be dangerous.
Law enforcement officials have opened an unattended death investigation but have not disclosed the whereabouts of the boy’s parents at the time of the attack. The dog responsible for the mauling was surrendered by its owner to the Hawaiian Humane Society. The organization euthanized the animal, citing its aggressive behavior, which posed a threat to staff, volunteers, and the community.
The incident highlights an alarming trend of rising dog attacks on Oahu. Data from Honolulu Emergency Medical Services shows that between September 2023 and September 2024, there were 300 calls related to dog bites, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous year. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
