Parents of five-week-old baby girl bitten to death by Rottweilers break silence, ask for simple symbolic tribute to loved ones
- Lani Riley announces plans for Mia’s memorial
- Mourners are urged to bring hibiscus flower
- Rottweilers that mauled Mia have been put down
The parents of a newborn mauled by two Rottweilers have broken their silence to announce plans for her memorial service.
Mia Riley, just five weeks old, was in a bouncer when she was attacked by the dogs on Feb. 18 while visiting relatives in Moruya on the NSW south coast.
The little girl suffered serious head and facial injuries before being rushed to hospital, where she died.
Her mother, Lani Riley, posted plans for her memorial service on social media.
“Mia’s family has been overwhelmed by the great support and compassion of their community and would like everyone with a good heart to be there if they want to,” she said.
Mia Riley, five weeks old, died in a horrific incident in Moruya involving two Rottweilers
Mia’s shattered parents Lani and Tom Riley have broken their silence over the tragedy
Mourners were asked to bring a hibiscus flower to the service as a way of honoring Mia.
“Hibiscus will only last a day once picked, so best if picked in the morning,” she wrote.
“They’re blooming all over the place right now, all over town, maybe even in the neighbor’s front yard.”
There has been no suggestion of wrongdoing by members of the family and no charges have been filed.
It was revealed last week that the two dogs involved had been euthanized by the Eurobodalla council following the incident.
“The Eurobodalla council can confirm that two dogs have been seized by park rangers. The dogs were euthanized on Friday on the advice of NSW police,” a spokesman said.
The council said it had not received any reports that the dogs were dangerous, but had been called out due to noise complaints.
“The council has no reports of dangerous or threatening dogs associated with the address,” the spokesperson said.
“The bark complaints were followed up with the owners of the dogs as per standard practice.”
The Rottweilers dogs (pictured) involved were put down last Friday
Neighbors said they had complained about their fear of the dogs.
“We warned them… we said (to the council) that one day they will attack someone; they are so loud and intimidating,” one resident told The Daily Telegraph.
“I know the council went there, maybe six to 12 months ago, and talked to the people (who owned the dogs),” said another.
“But nothing has really changed. I am not aware that they ever attack, but they are just scary to watch and very big; you’re just worried about what they might do when they get out.”
