HALIFAX — A 13-year-old child who was attacked by three large dogs in southwest Nova Scotia over the weekend has died, according to local education and municipal officials.
The Tri-County Regional Centre for Education said the student, who was in Grade 8, attended Shelburne Regional High School. The centre said the loss is being felt across the region and that supports have been put in place for students and staff, including access to psychologists and counsellors at the school and neighbouring schools.
“We will continue to monitor and respond to the needs of our communities as we navigate this profound loss together,” executive director Jared Purdy said in a statement Tuesday.
Penny Smith, warden of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne, confirmed the child’s age and said the community is heartbroken. She added that the municipality will not comment further while the investigation continues.
“We ask residents to keep the boy’s family, friends, and classmates in their hearts and thoughts,” Smith said.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the incident occurred Saturday on Upper Sandy Cove Road in the community of Welshtown. Police said the child was riding a bicycle when three “large-breed” dogs attacked.
The youth was airlifted to Halifax with life-threatening injuries. The dogs involved in the attack were later euthanized.
RCMP said Tuesday that no additional details are being released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been laid.