The family of a baby girl who was fatally mauled by a dog at just 13 weeks old have paid a deeply moving tribute to their daughter, describing her as the heart of the family whose loss has left a void that can never be filled.
Maggie-May Ann Moody died on 9 April at a property in Dormanstown, near Redcar, in an attack involving what has been described as a pocket bully-type dog. She was one day away from reaching her three-month milestone. An inquest into her death opened at Teesside Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.
In a funeral notice, her family wrote: “Our beautiful baby girl, Maggie-May Ann Moody, brought sunshine to even the rainiest of days. Though her time with us was far too short, she filled every moment with love, character, and her own little spark. Perfect in every way, Maggie-May already knew what she liked and made sure we all knew what she didn’t.”
They continued: “She brought smiles, laughter, and a warmth that will stay with us forever. She was the heart of our family, and her loss leaves a space that can never be filled. We have been robbed of a lifetime with her, but we will carry her in our hearts always. Her memory will live on in every smile, every moment of love, and in the family who will adore her for an eternity.” Maggie-May is cherished by her mother, father, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and great aunt and uncle.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident, none of whom are related to Maggie-May’s family. A 45-year-old man was detained on the day of the attack on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, and was released on conditional bail. Four days later, on 13 April, two further arrests were made. A 31-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control resulting in death, while a 36-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control resulting in death. Both have been released on bail.
The investigation is ongoing.
