A couple whose dog accidentally killed their newborn son was forced to drive him to hospital themselves after 911 calls went unanswered, according to San Diego police.
The family was lying in bed with their three-day-old baby, Sebastian, and their pet on Thursday night when the animal was startled by a cough, according to the Associated Press.
The dog, an American Staffordshire terrier-mix named Polo, bit the baby's head. Sebastian's parents pulled the animal off and took their son to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Autopsy results released Monday revealed Sebastian died from the bites, and ruled his death an accident.
Animal services took custody of the two-year-old dog, who was quarantined for 10 days to ensure he didn't have rabies, Fox 5 San Diego reported Friday. Polo, who had never been aggressive before, would then be put down unless his owners opted to take him back, according to an animal services spokesman.
Police told The San Diego Union-Tribune that Sebastian's father called 911 twice, but wasn't able to reach a dispatcher — even after waiting 28 seconds the first time and 34 the second time.
“Our goal is to answer these phone calls immediately, and our dispatchers are doing everything they can to make that happen."
— Lt. Scott Wahl
Wait times in 2015 averaged about 13 seconds, according to San Diego police.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to this family. This is a horrible situation," said San Diego police Lt. Scott Wahl.
“Our goal is to answer these phone calls immediately, and our dispatchers are doing everything they can to make that happen."
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