A tragic incident unfolded in Eagle Butte, South Dakota when a nine-year-old boy was fatally mauled by a group of wild dogs. The boy, whose name has not been made public, was discovered near his bicycle, exhibiting severe injuries that prompted an immediate investigation by local law enforcement.

The incident occurred on May 18, 2024, when officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Police Department responded to reports of a boy lying on the ground. Police Chief Charles L. Red Crow revealed that the boy was found unresponsive, bearing multiple wounds indicative of animal bites. “We discovered that there were four dogs that attacked and killed him,” Chief Red Crow said.

The boy’s family later identified him, but they chose not to release his name to the public. An autopsy conducted on Tuesday confirmed the cause of death as an animal attack. Chairman Ryman LeBeau extended his heartfelt condolences to the boy’s family, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we confirm this Wakanyeja (a Lakota term meaning “sacred beings” used for children) lost his life in an attack by several feral dogs.”

News of the tragic event rapidly spread across social media, sparking an outpouring of sorrow and sympathy. The community expressed their condolences and concerns, with one Facebook user stating, “This could have been prevented. My thoughts are with the young boy and his family.”

In the aftermath of the attack, animal control officers began patrolling the area, capturing both collared and un-collared dogs found wandering freely. According to WNDU, collared dogs will be held at the Wakpa Waste Animal Shelter for 72 hours before processing, while uncollared dogs will be dealt with promptly.

Concerns regarding the presence of feral dogs on the Cheyenne River Reservation have been escalating over the years. It is estimated that there could be as many as 1,000 stray dogs in the vicinity. The tribe regularly organizes events, such as the “Gathering of the Dogs,” to manage the issue by capturing and controlling these feral dogs.

This tragic incident has amplified these concerns, emphasizing the necessity for more stringent enforcement of animal control regulations. The tribe’s current animal control code includes clauses requiring dogs to be leashed, tied up, or confined in fenced areas and specifies unique rules for breeds deemed dangerous.

The community, while dealing with the grief, has urged for stronger measures to avert such incidents in the future. “We mourn with all relatives impacted,” expressed LeBeau.