Pitbull puppy gnaws off baby girl’s toes

THE parents of a baby girl have been charged with child desertion and criminal negligence after their pitbull puppy chewed off four of the infant’s toes as she lay next to them.

Mary Hansche, 22, and Christopher Hansche, 26, told police they woke to the baby’s cries, found her mangled foot and took her to the hospital.

Police in Bossier City, Louisiana, said the couple were sleeping on a mattress and the month-old girl was in an infant seat beside them when the six-week-old puppy began chewing on her toes. Police spokesman Mark Natales said they did not see incident.

Vet Michael Dale speculated the puppy might have been trying to nurse on the baby’s toes: “I know that sounds a little far-fetched, but that’s the first thing that comes to my mind.”

The girl underwent surgery but there was no way to reattach the girl’s toes, Mr Natale said. He did not know what the animal’s fate would be.

The child will be placed in foster care until the case against her parents is settled.