Baby Jason Anthony Weaver, just one week old, suffered at least 180 dog bites and fatal internal injuries; mother and four other relatives also face charges.
A father in Indiana, United States, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after his newborn son was killed by the family’s pet dog in a devastating attack inside their rural home.
The victim, identified as Jason Anthony Weaver, was only one week old when he was fatally attacked by Chomp, a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix. 
According to details reported by the New York Post, the newborn sustained extensive injuries across his head and body, including at least 180 bite wounds.
Medical examinations reportedly revealed severe internal injuries, including brain haemorrhages, rib fractures and tears in his lungs.
The fatal incident occurred in September at the family’s home in rural Markle, Indiana.
Following the baby’s death, the father, mother and four other family members were arrested. Authorities reportedly described the home as being filled with rubbish and insects.
The dog, Chomp, was subsequently euthanised.
The circumstances surrounding the attack led prosecutors to file criminal charges against members of the family, with allegations of neglect forming part of the case against the child’s parents.
Father Accepts Plea Deal, Receives 16-Year Sentence
Jason’s father was initially charged with two counts of neglect and one count of harbouring a non-immunised dog that caused an injury.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the highest-level neglect charge in exchange for a 16-year prison sentence.
The sentence was handed down on Monday.
The case highlights the potential criminal consequences of failing to protect vulnerable children from dangerous conditions, although the precise legal findings and factual basis of the plea agreement depend on the court record.
The baby’s mother, Violet Weaver, is scheduled to appear for a change-of-plea hearing later this month.
Meanwhile, criminal proceedings remain active against the child’s grandparents, Timothy Kinsey, Rita Wickey and Michael Wickey, as well as his uncle, Tony Kinsey.
All four relatives were also charged in connection with the case.
The ongoing proceedings are expected to determine the legal status of the remaining defendants.
