An inquest docket is being investigated by Oudtshoorn police after a little boy was mauled to death by the family dog on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said four-year-old Peter Frans died in hospital shortly after being bitten by the Labrador shortly before 10 pm.
The child had apparently being playing in the yard of their Bridgton home when tragedy struck.
"He was bitten in the neck and face. His parents tried to stem the blood loss with a towel and he was taken to the Oudtshoorn Hospital," Pojie said.
The child died a short while later.
The matter was being investigated, he confirmed.
The dog was reportedly put down following the incident.
UPDATE: The police confirmed to YOU the dog in question was a Labrador, but photos that allegedly portray the animal suggest it was a mixed breed.
"The pet owner and the parent are responsible since neither the child or the animal could fully control the situation," SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham told Cape Talk.
She advised parents never leave children between two and four years old alone with pets. Parents should teach them to be careful when interacting with animals, she added.
