A 2-year-old child was tragically mauled to death by dogs after being left unattended by a babysitter, authorities reported. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, at a residence on the 3800 block of Pecan Drive, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The toddler was under the care of a babysitter who reportedly runs an unlicensed daycare. Investigators say the child was left alone for more than two hours while the caregiver allegedly took a nap, believing the child to be safe inside the home.
Police and first responders arrived at the residence after being alerted to the emergency. Upon arrival, officers and Valdosta firefighters found the toddler had already succumbed to injuries sustained from the dog attack. South Georgia Medical Services confirmed the child was deceased at the scene.
Investigators determined that the child had gained access to the backyard and opened a kennel containing two large Rottweilers. Police reported that the dogs fatally attacked the toddler during this brief period of unsupervised time, underscoring the dangers of leaving young children unattended with potentially dangerous animals.
The babysitter, 48-year-old Stacy Wheeler Cobb, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children. Authorities noted that while the child was alone during the incident, Cobb’s home typically hosts as many as ten children at a time, raising concerns about safety protocols and oversight.
Lowndes County Animal Control officers took custody of the two Rottweilers involved in the attack, as well as a third dog present at the home. Officials are continuing to assess the animals and investigate whether additional safety violations may have contributed to the tragedy.
Detectives from the Valdosta Police Department are processing evidence from the scene and are expected to bring additional charges as the investigation continues. Police have stressed the seriousness of the incident and the need for stricter oversight in unlicensed daycare settings.
Community members and neighbors expressed shock and sadness at the tragic death of such a young child. Local residents described the toddler as cheerful and full of life, with many sharing condolences and offering support to the grieving family in the wake of the incident.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the child’s mother to help cover funeral and memorial costs, highlighting the community’s effort to support the family during this heartbreaking time. The family and community continue to process the loss while advocating for greater childcare safety awareness.
Authorities urge parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution when leaving children in the care of others, emphasizing that young children should never be left alone with animals or in unsupervised environments. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in childcare.
