The Nova Scotia RCMP has confirmed the breeds of three dogs that fatally attacked a 13-year-old boy in Shelburne County.
The RCMP responded to a report of a dog attack in the 100 block of Upper Sandy Cove Road in Welshtown, N.S., around 5:12 p.m. Saturday.
Police say the boy was riding his bicycle past a property when he was mauled by three “large-breed dogs.”
The boy suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital in Halifax, where he later died.
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday that the dogs involved in the attack were two Cane Corsos and a Rottweiler. They have all been euthanized by a veterinarian.
Police say investigators have been actively gathering and analyzing video footage, conducting door-to-door canvassing in the area, and interviewing people about the dogs.
“Our team is working through several investigative steps to fully understand what happened and to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Macpherson in a news release Wednesday.
“Community members have been very supportive of our work, and the dog owners have been cooperative throughout.”
There is no word at this time as to whether the dog owners will face charges.
Police are asking anyone with information that might help their investigation to contact the Shelburne District RCMP at 902‑875‑2490.
Community rallies to support family
Meanwhile, members of the small southwestern Nova Scotia community are coming together to support the boy’s family.
As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, a GoFundMe page for the boy’s mother had raised roughly $62,000 of its $70,000 goal in less than 24 hours.
“I spoke with her this morning on the phone. Through tears she said she is so thankful from the bottom of her heart,” Patricia Harris, a family friend who organized the fundraiser, told CTV News Atlantic.
“She said she cannot get over the outpouring of support and love being shown to her. She never thought so many people cared.”
Harris has identified the victim as 13-year-old Drew Nickerson and his mother as Dawn Nickerson.
“Drew, he was a little angel. He loved the outdoors, dirt bikes, cross bikes, his bicycle, anything outside,” said Harris.
“When Dawn bought her house, she told me she bought it so Drew could have the freedom to play outdoors, ride his bike and enjoy nature without worry.”
Harris is also calling on people to stop spreading rumours about the incident.
“Drew knew those dogs. Those dogs knew him. He was not provoking them. Anyone who knew Drew knows he would never hurt an animal,” she said. “The dogs were running loose with no one home to watch them.”
Shelburne County residents have also been donating items like lobster and gift cards to a raffle fundraiser organized for the family.
The Municipality of the District of Shelburne said Tuesday that the community is “deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss” and grief and counselling resources are available for students, families and residents.
“We extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss,” said the municipality. “We recognize the profound impact this tragedy has on our community.”
The Tri-County Regional Centre for Education also confirmed the death of the Grade 8 student at Shelburne Regional High School in a statement Tuesday.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends, and all those affected. A loss such as this is felt widely, and we recognize the impact it has across our schools and broader communities,” it said.
The centre for education said supports, including psychologists and counsellors, are in place at Shelburne Regional High School and other schools in the area.
With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Hafsa Arif
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