Young boy killed in Zakynthos dog attack; Parents arrested and released

The parents of a 2-year-old boy who was fatally mauled on Saturday by the family’s recently adopted dog on Zakynthos were arrested on negligent homicide charges and later released on the order of a prosecutor.

According to AMNA, the attack occurred while the child was alone in an area of the family home. The dog — a pit bull taken in only weeks earlier after being found as a stray in the village — inflicted multiple bites across the toddler’s body, including the neck. The father rushed to intervene and attempted to pull the dog away, but was unable to stop the attack.

The child was transported by ambulance to the hospital in Zakynthos town, about 30 minutes from the village of Agios Leontas, where the incident took place. Despite doctors’ efforts, the boy succumbed to his injuries, which medical staff described as unprecedented in severity.

Local residents said the family, who live on the outskirts of the village, are known for taking in stray animals. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident.