Police identify 8-week-old baby killed by family dogs

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston police have identified the 8-week-old baby boy mauled to death by the family dogs over the weekend.

Investigators say Michael James Obergas was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital Saturday.

Police say baby Michael was in his bassinet in a secure room when the parents stepped away. One of the family dogs was able to open the door and attacked him.

Paramedics were called to the home for reports of a child bitten by a dog. He was transferred to the hospital by ambulance where he died.

The dogs, a giant schnauzer mix and a Labrador retriever mix, were quarantined by BARC, Houston's animal control agency. The dogs were euthanized and will be tested for rabies.

"I just broke down when I heard about the baby, I didn't expect that," said neighbor Maria Medina, who saw the ambulance take the little baby away. "It was, I have no words for it, it was really bad."

Dr. Hallie Ray Moore, who owns the Oak Forest Veterinary Hospital, says even long time family pets can react badly when a new baby is brought into the home.

"You should never ever leave the baby alone in the presence of a dog," Dr. Ray Moore said. "However, it doesn't sound like that was even done in this case. This is just worst-case scenario."

Doctor Moore says to her, this appears to be a tragic accident. HPD's homicide division is investigating the case, as is standard for all deaths involving babies.

The parents of baby Michael were questioned and released. The investigation is continuing at this time.

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