No charges laid after fatal dog attack on Christchurch toddler

Monday 24 August 2026 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 24 Aug, 11:32am

In this story Christchurch City Council

Police will not lay charges following a dog attack that killed one-year-old Sonny-Charles Watson in Aranui on 14 August. The toddler was fatally injured by a cross-breed dog at a home on Basingstoke Street. The death has now been referred to the Coroner.

How they headlined it

9:31am10:41am11:32am

1. The PressMon 24 Aug, 9:31am

   Police will not lay charges over fatal dog attack on Christchurch baby (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsMon 24 Aug, 10:41am

   No charges over Christchurch dog attack that killed young boy (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldMon 24 Aug, 10:50am

   Aranui dog attack: Police will not charge anyone after Christchurch toddler’s death (opens in new tab)

4. StuffMon 24 Aug, 11:32am

   No charges laid following dog attack that killed Christchurch toddler (opens in new tab)