Devastated family of boy, 10, mauled to death by dog say ‘our lives will never be the same’ after ‘sweet’ boy killed
THE heartbroken family of a ten-year-old boy mauled to death by a dog as he visited a school pal today said: "Our lives will never be the same".
Jack Lis, ten, was savaged by the eight-stone animal nicknamed the "Beast" in Caerphilly, South Wales, on Monday afternoon.
He had been with a pal from Cwm Ifor Primary School when the horror unfolded.
His family today paid an emotional tribute to the schoolboy as they released two new pictures of him beaming at the camera.
They said in a statement: "We are absolutely heartbroken. Our lives will never be the same without Jack.
“This is not something any parent should ever have to be writing.
“We have so many words we want to say about our beautiful boy, but they do not seem enough.
“We love him more than words can describe. Our boy made us the proudest parents and family on the planet. He was the sweetest of boys.
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“We will forever miss his quirky ways and his stories that he would spend so long telling us.
“He's forever in our hearts. Sweet dreams Jack, our perfect boy.”
It comes as an inquest heard today how a provisional cause of death was given as "severe injuries to the head and neck".
The hearing was told Jack was outside his house "playing with a friend" when they went to his pal's home in a neighbouring street.
Once inside, the coroner said Jack was "attacked by a dog".
Emergency crews rushed to the house but Jack's injuries were "unsurvivable" and he was declared dead at around 4.15pm.
He was identified by photos provided by his family to the manager of the mortuary, the hearing was told.
'VIOLENT'
Senior coroner for Gwent, Caroline Saunders, said the circumstances surrounding Jack's death were "violent and unnatural".
The inquest was adjourned for "further inquiries" to be made and will be resumed at a later date.
A 28-year-old woman has been released on conditional bail after being arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
Two men, aged 34 and 19, were released after they attended voluntarily in relation to the same charge.
It previously emerged the dog's ex-owner Lee Jenkins was trying to get rid of it on October 29 amid fears it would attack.
He wrote a plea on a bulldog Facebook page claiming the American pitbull-style animal was "great with people" but "unfortunately does not like other dogs".
The owner said: "I've tried my best with him, I have other dogs and can not put them at risk.
"He needs someone with time."
'NOTHING TO DO WITH ME'
He accompanied the post with a picture of the hulking dog baring its rippling muscles.
The dog had only just been taken in by the family of one of Jack's schoolfriends when it viciously mauled the boy.
Mr Jenkins told The Sun: “I am not the owner of that dog, I told the police everything I know, they know I have nothing to do with it.
"It's not my dog and it's since been re-homed from me.”
Locals have told how the Beast was "known to be trouble" and reportedly bit another man and killed a cat.
A resident also claimed the “massive” dog had “lunged” at their three-year-old son a few days ago.
The "very large, powerful" dog had to be shot seven times by armed cops as they swooped on the street on Monday.
Horrified neighbours told how they heard Jack's friend scream "my dog has killed my friend" following the savage attack.
'BEAUTIFUL BOY'
A dog legislation expert has been brought in to examine it and see if it is an illegal breed.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough said today: “The work to identify the breed of dog involved this attack continues.
“Once this is completed, we will be able to establish if the breed features on the list of illegal dogs to own in this country and any other criminal offences identified will be investigated fully by officers.
“I understand that there is a lot of interest about this in our communities.
“Once again, my condolences and thoughts are with Jack’s family, friends, school friends and everyone affected by this within the community.”
Tributes flooded in for Jack after he was named by police with a page now set up to help the family cover the cost of his funeral.
Matthew Young, Emma's cousin, said: "Many people have expressed their deepest condolences and have asked to contribute in some way towards the funeral costs to help the family at this very difficult and emotional time.
"So it is with extreme heartache that I write this to give those wishing to donate, a place to do so."
He added: "Jack was a loving caring young boy who will be greatly missed, never forgotten, and always in our hearts. Fly high "sweet, sweet boy".
'BRIGHT AND CARING'
His headteacher described Jack as "bright, caring and popular" in a statement.
Gareth Rees said: “The whole school community has been rocked by the tragic events of the past 24 hours.
"Jack was a bright and caring pupil who was popular amongst his peers and the teaching staff at Cwm Ifor.
"Our thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time and we now need time and space to heal together as a school community.
"Appropriate support is being made available for pupils and staff over the coming days as we come to terms with this devastating news.”
Anyone with information can call Gwent Police on 101, quoting log reference 2100392510.
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