A four-year-old boy was mauled to death when he tried to pet his landlord's pit bull after the animal was left alone with him and his siblings.
Little Enzo Gabriel Silva Custodio died on the spot from his injuries after being attacked by the dog in Itumbiara, Brazil, on 2nd July.
His mother, named as 25-year-old Sabrina Silva, had left Enzo at home with her two other children, aged nine and seven, to go to work, claiming she had no one to leave them with.
The family had been living in a rented house for about a month and the dog belonged to the landlord.
Picture shows the dog that attacked Enzo Gabriel Silva Custodio, undated. He died after he was attacked by a pitbull in Itumbiara, Brazil, on Jul.02, 2025. Note: Photo from fire department. (Newsflash/NX)
He asked for the pit bull to stay in the house and the child's mother authorised it, since, until then, the dog was tame.
But when the curious toddler approached it while it was eating, investigators believe, it felt provoked and attacked the boy.
His mother found him with severe injuries when she came back home for lunch and called paramedics, who declared Enzo dead.
The child's body was handed over to forensic experts for an autopsy.
Meanwhile, police arrested his mother for child neglect resulting in death, which carries a sentence of four to 12 years in prison.
She was released during a custody hearing on 3rd July and is awaiting trial.
Her two other children have been temporarily placed with relatives.
Picture shows Enzo Gabriel Silva Custodio, undated. He died after he was attacked by a pitbull in Itumbiara, Brazil, on Jul.02, 2025. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash/NX)
Her lawyer, Walter Neto, said during the custody hearing: "It's clear that Sabrina is a victim of the tragedy herself, enduring the harshest punishment of all: the loss of a child.
"We believe in justice and are confident that the right outcome will prevail."
The pit bull was seized by authorities and placed in an animal centre where it is currently under observation.
(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)