A babysitter in Converse, Texas, is facing charges after a horrific dog attack left a one-year-old boy critically injured and a 13-year-old girl bitten several times. The Bexar County Sheriff cited a "heartbreaking scenario" whereby the children were attacked while under the care of Heather Rodriguez, 36, as reported by KSAT. Sheriff Javier Salazar detailed the events leading up to the attack, stating that Rodriguez had left the two children alone at the time of the incident, and the dogs, described as XL American bullies, forced their way into a bedroom where the babysitter had placed the younger child for safety.
The teenager born with courage beyond her years, heroically struggled to protect the infant; she created barricades and even at one point carried the baby over her head in an effort to save him from the mauling dogs, nevertheless, her attempt tragically fell short when one of the dogs snatched the child, leading to severe head injuries and an inability to breathe normally due to airway damage, according to FOX News. The attack ended with the emergency services arriving, and while deputies rendered first aid to the one-year-old, Rodriguez was apparently preoccupied with the fate of her dogs during the aftermath of the attack, showing concern that seemed misaligned with the grave situation at hand.
Rodriguez has been held on a charge of injury to a child by omission, with Sheriff Salazar mentioning the possibility of additional charges due to the injuries the teenager sustained, acknowledging the girl's actions as heroic which possibly prevented even graver outcomes. Child Protective Services has been engaged to ensure the well-being of both children, with emphasis on the physical recovery of the toddler and the mental health of the teenager.
Meanwhile, at least one dog has been surrendered fully, with efforts underway to secure the surrender of the other animals involved in the attack, while the fate of the dogs now rests with Bexar County Animal Control, Salazar remarked, exhibiting clear disposition towards the necessity of euthanizing any dog that took part in the attack, stating to FOX News, "Any dog that took part in it needs to be put down," as "the life of a little baby is much more important," he stressed in reflection of an ethic that places the safety and value of human life above all.
