Heartbroken mum speaks after ‘blue-eyed baby girl’ is mauled to death by pet dog
The heartbroken mum of dog attack tot Bella-Rae Birch raised £2,650 to pay for her funeral in just hours.
Friends, neighbours and well-wishers from around the world donated cash to a crowdfunding appeal to give the 17-month-old a 'most beautiful send off' after she was mauled to death by her family’s new pet on Monday.
Neighbours claimed the dog – which was destroyed after the attack – was an American Bully bought last week 'for buttons' by the baby’s dad Ryan.
Police are still trying to confirm the breed and trace the previous owner.
American Bullies are legal to keep and breed in the UK.
Sharing a new photo of Bella-Rae on the gofundme website her mum Treysharn wrote: "On the 21st of March we sadly lost our gorgeous blue-eyed baby girl, who was just one year of age, 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."
One well-wisher replied: "My thoughts are with all the family at this sad time. RIP little one. I run a local florist and when the time is right we would like to donate a floral tribute of the family’s choice."
Another said: "What a terrible shame. I live a few streets away. Rest in peace."
"Thinking of you all at this devastating time. Bella will get the send off she deserves. Sleep tight gorgeous girl," added another.
The youngster, who was attacked at the family’s home in St Helens, Merseyside, celebrated her first birthday in October last year with her parents and older brother.
In a heartbreaking online message Ryan wrote then: "Happy birthday to my little princess, big one today. First ever birthday!!
"My Bella boo. Have the best day gorgeous. We love you too much."
The family is holding a balloon-release vigil in the tot’s memory at St Helens Church on March 30.
A poster advertising the event on Facebook read: "Please join us in creating a beautiful vigil and balloon release in memory of Bella-Rae.
"Music and mascots will be involved to create a memorable evening."
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