Visalia, CA – A 4-year child is dead after being attacked by a family pit bull.
Just after 8:00 pm on September 4, Visalia police were called to a residence in the 2300 block of West Monte Vista for a report a child had been attacked by the family’s pit bull.
The child was inside the home when the attack occurred. Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to a hospital, the young girl died of her injuries. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Visalia PD officers were called to a home in the 2300 block of West Monte Vista after a report that a child had been attacked by the family’s pit bull.
The 4-year-old girl had just finished swimming and was inside the home when the incident occurred. Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to the hospital, she sadly passed away from her injuries.
An investigation by Violent Crimes Detectives revealed no signs of neglect or criminal wrongdoing. This heart-wrenching event is a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. – Visalia Police Department
Last year, a man was killed by a dog in Visalia while on a business property in the 2300 block of South Santa Fe Street. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health also responded to the scene. The victim’s name and age were not released by police nor was the breed of dog involved. In May of 2024, we received a response to our FOIA request. The male victim was 47-years old and the dog involved was a female pit bull. Dog ownership information was not disclosed per 964 PC.
Fundraiser for Family
A GoFundMe has been started to support the family. “We are heartbroken to share that Zoey, a vibrant and loving 4-year-old, tragically lost her life due to a devastating dog attack,” the organizer states. “In this time of unimaginable grief, we are coming together to support the family.” The funds will be used to cover funeral expenses. “Please consider contributing to this fund if able to help ease the hardship for Zoey’s family and honor the memory of our precious little girl who touched so many lives.”
By Saturday, the GoFundMe organized by Pearl Vargas had raised over $10,000. Vargas adds that after funeral costs are satisfied, “any remaining funds will go directly to her parents to help alleviate the financial burden they are facing during this incredibly difficult time.” Vargas has since become a spokesperson for the family. Multiple media outlets have identified the full name of the young girl as Zoey Hawkins. One meme from a relative, the child’s aunt, also identifies her as Zoey Bennett.
Child Attacked “Outside”
The father of Zoey, who has long been a pit bull addict, says police got it wrong. Zoey was not attacked inside the home. She was attacked outside just after getting out of a kiddie pool.
The father went inside to get her towel, and when he turned around, “that’s when the dog had already got her,” Pearl Vargas, Zoey’s cousin said. “She’s been around this dog for two plus years,” Vargas said. “Her and the dog would always play with each other … so we have no clue on what the reason was.”
[Dogs do not use reason. Instead they rely on instinct. Pearl’s parents got this much right: “We have no clue.” – HH]
Despite the father’s addiction to pit bulls in the past, along with this Facebook Profile and Cover photos still displaying pit bulls, the parents are now saying they won’t consider getting another dog because they have two other infant children.
“So, no dogs whatsoever anymore,” Vargas said. According to the parents, the pit bull latched onto her armpit. She was transported to a hospital, where she died of her injuries. The parents are still in disbelief the family pit bull “attacked her seemingly for no reason.”
[It’s a little to late to do the right thing now … HH]
