Family of boy killed by dogs releases statement: ‘This could happen to anyone with pets’

Animal Services told ABC-7 it euthanized the dogs that mauled and killed 4-year-old Jacob Brooks Thursday night.

Police said the boy was left unattended in a trampoline in the backyard of the family’s Lower Valley home.

No charges have been filed.

A family member released a letter explaining more about what happened when a group of dogs attacked and killed a 4-year-old.

The boy’s aunt, Laura Torguson, said:

“Our family has been devastated by the tragic, unexplainable death of Jacob Brooks. Jacob was a beautiful, kind, intelligent little boy. He was loved by many and our family will never be the same without him.

There have been statements trying to place blame of the accident on mistreatment of the dogs, but this is coming from people who have no knowledge of the situation. Although the dogs were large breeds, they were indeed pets and had not shown aggressive behavior before around any of the family.

So many people have asked, why was Jacob unattended? Who, as a parent, has not turned away from their child for even a moment? Accidents happen in seconds, and this could have happened to anyone with pets.

So many people have been affected by this loss, and we appreciate everyone’s concern, condolences, and prayers.

We do ask that everyone please respect our privacy and give our family time to grieve. We are asking that Jacob’s memorial service only be attended by family and friends; it is not open to the public.”