A HUSKY expert has called for calm after police seized a family dog in connection with the death of a six-day-old baby girl.

John Duxbury, who runs Nelson-based charity Sibes and Sled Dogs Husky Rescue, said people should avoid jumping to conclusions over Tuesday’s incident in Carmarthenshire.

Welsh police said they seized an Alaskan Malamute dog in connection with the sudden death of Eliza-Mae Mullane, but inquiries were ongoing. 

No further details have been released by Dyfed Powys police, although national newspapers have described the incident as a ‘suspected attack’ by the dog, which is not a banned breed.

It comes a week after the death of Blackburn baby Ava-Jayne Corless, of Emily Street, who was attacked by a banned pit bull-type dog. Police said Ava-Jayne had been ‘mauled’, adding the dog had been destroyed.

Mr Duxbury said: “The media have jumped the gun on the incident in Wales, without a shadow of a doubt.

“We don’t have enough information to say what has happened, but that dog would have been put to sleep immediately if it had mauled the baby. We need to know all the facts of this case before we can make any judgement on it.

“Malamuts are not huskies, but we rescue them as well. They are perfectly suitable for families and absolutely fine with children. They are one of the friendliest breeds of dog.”

However, Mr Duxbury warned of the dangers of leaving any breed of dog with young children. Chief inspector Ieuan Matthews, of Dyfed Powys police, said: “We have specialist officers who are supporting the family. Our investigation is still at an early stage.”