Baby's Nose Chewed Off In Pet Ferret Attack
The newborn was "being eaten alive" by the animals after they escaped from a cage - she is now in intensive care after surgery.
A one-month-old baby has had her nose and part of her lip and cheek chewed off by three pet ferrets, according to US officials.
The newborn was "being eaten alive" by the animals after they escaped from a cage in Darby, Pennsylvania.
She is now in a stable condition in intensive care after emergency reconstructive surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
The child was mauled while she was left downstairs in her car seat as her mother went upstairs and her father was asleep, authorities said.
The ferrets scampered away when the woman came down after hearing the baby's screams, Police Chief Robert Smythe said.
Four other young children have been placed with relatives amid concerns about their parents' ability to care for them.
Mr Smythe told the Delaware County Daily Times: "The parents, I believe, have problems.
"They are challenged. They can't take care of these kids."
He said investigators found more food for the family's ferrets and cats than for the children.
Police have asked prosecutors to approve charges against the parents.
Mr Smythe said: "Just imagine that one-month-old baby, that can't help herself, (and) two or three animals are eating it alive. Imagine the pain."
A healthy, a well-trained ferret should not bite but needs to be taught acceptable behaviours like any other pet, according to the American Ferret Association.
It says that ferrets and kids can play well together but that small children should not be left alone with them or any other animal.
source: Baby's Nose Chewed Off In Pet Ferret Attack
The newborn was "being eaten alive" by the animals after they escaped from a cage - she is now in intensive care after surgery.
A one-month-old baby has had her nose and part of her lip and cheek chewed off by three pet ferrets, according to US officials.
The newborn was "being eaten alive" by the animals after they escaped from a cage in Darby, Pennsylvania.
She is now in a stable condition in intensive care after emergency reconstructive surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
The child was mauled while she was left downstairs in her car seat as her mother went upstairs and her father was asleep, authorities said.
The ferrets scampered away when the woman came down after hearing the baby's screams, Police Chief Robert Smythe said.
Four other young children have been placed with relatives amid concerns about their parents' ability to care for them.
Mr Smythe told the Delaware County Daily Times: "The parents, I believe, have problems.
"They are challenged. They can't take care of these kids."
He said investigators found more food for the family's ferrets and cats than for the children.
Police have asked prosecutors to approve charges against the parents.
Mr Smythe said: "Just imagine that one-month-old baby, that can't help herself, (and) two or three animals are eating it alive. Imagine the pain."
A healthy, a well-trained ferret should not bite but needs to be taught acceptable behaviours like any other pet, according to the American Ferret Association.
It says that ferrets and kids can play well together but that small children should not be left alone with them or any other animal.
source: Baby's Nose Chewed Off In Pet Ferret Attack
