Alaskan Malamute Seized Following Six-Day-Old Eliza-Mae Mallane Death

The six-day-old baby who died at house in South Wales, from which the family dog was later seized by police, has been named as Eliza-Mae Mallane.

The animal, an Alaskan Malamute, was taken by policed following the sudden death of the baby girl at the home in Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire.

Police were called to an address at the small village of around 2,800 people on Tuesday (18 February). The street was cordoned off by police as an investigation into the incident got underway.

Eliza-Mae was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales but was later pronounced dead. Police confirmed the breed of dog which was seized is not a banned.

Chief insp Leuan Mathhews of Dyfed Powys Police, said: "The family dog – an Alaskan Malamute has been seized by Police in connection with the ongoing enquiry. I can confirm that this dog is not listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

"Clearly, our sympathies are with the family at this tragic time and we have specialist officers who are supporting them. All I would ask is that you give them time and space to grieve.

"As far as our enquiries are concerned, the investigation is still at an early stage."

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We were called at 8.26am to a medical emergency at a property in Pontyberem.

"We sent a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, an emergency ambulance and the Helimed helicopter to the scene, and a baby was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales."

Alan Lewis, chairman of Pontyberem Community Council, said: "It is a huge shock for the particular community. Our thoughts go to the family involved, obviously."

The death comes barely a week after 11-month-old Ava-Jayne Corless was killed by a banned breed of dog as she slept.

Her mother, Chloe King, and her 26-year-old partner Lee Wright - who is not the baby's father – were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the girl's death. Both have been released on bail pending further inquiries.