Mom: Dog Bit Off Infant's Genitals

HOUSTON -- A mother claimed the family dachshund bit off her 5-week-old son's genitals while she was sleeping, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

Houston police said the baby was rushed to Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital on Tuesday after he was injured at The Huntley apartment complex in the 500 block of El Dorado Boulevard.

"She said she woke up to hear the baby's cries and found the family pet standing over the boy," said Estella Olguin with Child Protective Services. "She said the dog had been the one to bite the child's genitals off."

Investigators said they are skeptical of the mother's claims.

"The injury that the child has is really not consistent with that of a dog bite or mauling," Olguin said. "We've never seen a case like this, when an animal is being blamed for mutilating a child's genitals."

The baby is in critical condition at the hospital, but Olguin said he is expected to survive. He will face many surgeries to treat internal injuries and help repair the wound.

The baby's mother has talked to police and CPS investigators. She has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.

"We're looking into what could have caused these injuries and who could have caused these severe injuries to this baby," Olguin said.

CPS has taken emergency custody of the infant. A hearing is set for March 26 to determine long-term custody of the child.

"This is going to affect him forever, even if he survives," Olguin said.

Houston Animal Control has taken possession of the dog.

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