The heartbroken mother of a baby girl mauled to death in her family home by a new dog has launched a tear-jerking fundraising appeal to pay for her funeral. Bella-Rae Birch, aged just 17 months, was attacked by the animal - believed to have been a bull terrier - and later died of her injuries.
Her mum Treysharn Bates, 23, said by locals to be ‘crying hysterically’ outside the house moments after the horror attack, has now asked for donations to fund a send off. Writing on a Gofundme page, she said: "On the 21st of March we sadly lost our gorgeous blue eyed baby girl, who was just one years of age [sic] in a tragic sudden accident.
"We are now in a position where we need to raise funds towards the most beautiful send off. Every little will help, every little is appreciated. Thank you everyone."
Tiny Bella was killed by the dog - which her family had only bought a week ago - at the house in St Helens, Merseyside. Police said they were called at 3.50pm on Monday by her family, who handed the dog over to officers when they arrived.
Neighbours frantically tried to perform CPR on her while they waited for paramedics to arrive, but to no avail. She tragically died of her injuries at hospital later on Monday.
Treysharn had proudly showed off her daughter when she was born in October 2020 with a picture she sent to the local newspaper. She accompanied the adorable snap with the caption: "Bella-Rae Birch. Born on the 11th of October 2020, weighing a gorgeous 6lb 7oz.
"Taking me a super fast 12 minutes of pushing too give birth too her." Merseyside Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the death and the dog was 'humanely' put down.
Forensic examinations are being carried out on the animal to determine the breed and if it was banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
