Boy, 2, dies after being 'mauled by dog' on Greek island as dad and British mum arrested

(File picture) Zakynthos town panoramic view from Strani hill (Image: Getty Images/LOOK)

A two-year-old boy has died on a Greek island after being reportedly mauled by a pitbull. The alleged dog attack happened in a village on the popular holiday island of Zakynthos, shortly after the toddler and his parents had returned home from a shopping trip. 

The boy was allegedly attacked after he entered the property, with the dog reportedly injuring the child's head and neck. Despite being rushed to the General Hospital of Zakynthos, where doctors treated him, the boy could not be saved.  

The boy's mother, a British national, is also being treated for shock following the incident, local reports have claimed.

The dog was a stray the family had found a few weeks prior near their property and decided to take in, Greek news outlet Ekathimerini reports. 

Following the incident, the boy's parents were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, as required under Greek law when a minor dies in potentially unsafe conditions at home.

They were later released by order of a prosecutor pending the outcome of the investigation.  

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It is not known whether the dog had shown any signs of having aggressive behaviour. Following the alleged attack, it has been held at a shelter, by order of a prosecutor, as required by law.

Zakynthos Mayor Giorgos Stasinopoulos told ERT: "From tomorrow it will be handed over to a veterinarian to be monitored."

A five-member committee from Patras is set to be called upon to decide whether the pitbull should be put down or remain in a shelter.