The boy’s mother was also seriously injured and neighbors say dogs have been a threat to the community.
“Those pit bulls bit everyone in this area,” said a neighbor. “I am aware of certain houses, so I try to take a different path when I know they are on that block.”
This attack took place at about 4:30 pm Tuesday, in the backyard of a house on East Laurel Street in Carteret, after two pit bulls apparently jumped over their home on nearby Birch Street.
The 3-year-old boy was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The mother was transported in an ambulance and remains hospitalized.
Their names have not yet been released.
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Mayor Daniel Reiman said that, according to municipal records from the Department of Health, the dogs were not registered with the city hall, as required by law. Both dogs were euthanized after the attack.
“As a small community, our Carteret family mourns the painful loss of our young neighbor,” he said. “We pray for this young mother and family in this moment of unimaginable sadness.”
Neighbors said the dogs could roam freely in the neighborhood and one said that they would not let their own children play outside because of it.
The family moved from Brooklyn just a few months ago. A neighbor said she had contacted the authorities several times about the dogs.
“I call the police when I can, if something happens,” she said.
Another neighbor said he was leading an effort to raise money for the family.
“I’m a salesman, I’m going to see all the customers and I went to one of our customers to help with the funeral,” he said. “And a guy bet me $ 200. The first guy I looked for. Let’s try to help them at the funeral.”
Mayor Reiman said that anyone who wishes to make a cash donation to the family to help with expenses can do so by CLICKING HERE.
Checks can also be sent to:
Charity Fund at Carteret Borough Hall
61 Cooke Ave.
Carteret NJ 07008
They can also be left in the closed box in front of the building.
Any funds raised will be provided to the family for medical care and funeral expenses.
Anyone with additional information can contact the Carteret Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s office at 732-541-4181 (CPD) and 732-745-3300 (MCPO).
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