The island of Zakynthos remains in deep shock following the fatal mauling of a two-year-old boy by a pit bull, with the child’s funeral set to take place today, Wednesday, December 10, at the Church of Agia Paraskevi in the village of Agios Leontas.

The pit bull involved in the attack has since been transferred to an animal shelter in the town of Pyrgos, according to local authorities.

The tragedy unfolded when the toddler was left alone with the dog for only a few seconds. In that brief moment, the animal violently attacked, inflicting severe bites across the child’s body, particularly around the neck. The boy’s father reportedly fought desperately to pull his son from the dog’s jaws.

Emergency medical services arrived shortly after, and the child was transported to hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he did not survive.