Parents of baby killed by rottweilers in Moruya pay tribute to ‘our beautiful girl’

The distraught parents of baby Mia Riley have made a unique request of mourners at her funeral as they thank the community for their “support and compassion”.

Newborn Mia Riley, pictured with her older sister Layla, died after two rottweilers attacked her. Picture: Supplied

The heartbroken parents of a baby girl mauled to death by two rottweilers have thanked the community for their “support and compassion” in the days after their precious daughter died.

Mia Jade Marama Riley, just five-weeks-old, died on February 19 after two dogs attacked her while she was sleeping at a relative’s house in Moruya, on the NSW south coast.

Her parents Tom and Lani Riley thanked the community who has rallied around them since the tragedy happened, and made a special request of mourners attending her funeral on Friday.

“Mia’s family have been overwhelmed by the large showing of support and compassion from their community,” Mrs Riley wrote in a post on social media.

“We kindly request that guests … bring a hibiscus flower (any colour). Hibiscus only last a day once picked, so best picked in the morning.”

Five-week-old Mia Riley was killed in an horrific incident at Moruya involving two rottweilers. Pictured with her older sister Layla. Picture: Facebook

“They are currently in flower everywhere, all around town, possibly even in your neighbour’s front yard,” she wrote.

“Please share our beautiful girl’s farewell arrangements with family and friends.”

Friends of the family posted messages of condolences and tributes to the baby girl.

“Sending love and light and strength to you Lani and Tom as you move with all your grace through and with this terrible pain and immeasurable loss. Each new life, no matter how brief forever changes the world,” one friend wrote.

Lani and Tom Riley asked mourners to bring a hibiscus flower to their baby girl’s funeral on Friday. Picture: Facebook

The rottweiler dogs were put down after the attack.

Another person said: “There are no words that could bring any comfort in the midst of such an incredible loss, you guys are surrounded by so much love and support in a community that love you and care so much for you all. Sending you guys so much strength and love.”

Baby Mia was asleep in a bouncer on the floor when the two large dogs, owned by a cousin of Mrs Riley, launched at her.

Mr and Mrs Riley rushed their critically injured baby to Moruya Hospital, where she tragically died a short time later.

A Eurobodalla Council spokesperson said the dogs had since been destroyed.

“The dogs were euthanised on Friday following advice from NSW Police,” the spokesperson said.

The Daily Telegraph revealed neighbours of the dogs had made multiple complaints to the local council about the animals.

The council spokesperson confirmed the complaints, and said they were all followed up with the dogs’ owners as per standard practice.

“Four complaints about the dogs’ noisy barking were made to Council between November 2020 and May 2021,” the spokesperson said.

“Council has no reports regarding dangerous or menacing dogs associated with the address.”

Mia’s funeral will be held on Friday.