Labrador Accused of Mauling Toddler is Released

Locked up since Saturday, the 6-year-old Labrador mix accused of mauling a toddler in French Valley, has been released by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

With further investigation, Animal Services determined that the Labrador named Dexter was not the dog that attacked the 1-year-old, Kaidyn Sutton, on Nov. 14. In a follow-up interview with the eyewitness, the sheriff's investigator said the woman could not say with certainty that Dexter was the dog that attacked Sutton.

Based on that revelation, plus further investigation by Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the Animal Services' assessment of Dexter's behavior, Dexter was released back to his owners.

"We still need the public's help," Animal Services Director Robert Miller said. "A large dog caused severe injuries to this little boy and someone might have valuable information to share. It's important that we receive that information as soon as possible. We do not want anyone else to be injured if this dog is still in that community."

The unidentified dog that attacked the toddler at Primrose Park, originally described as possibly being a Rottweiler, is still at large.

"We cannot thank the Riverside County Sheriff's Department enough for the valuable help," Miller said. He also said Dexter's owners should be applauded for their cooperation. "Anytime your dog is being taken away, it's very stressful," Miller said. "Dexter's owners, however, completely understood our role and handled this incident with grace."

Anyone with information on the dog attack can call 951-358-7387.