Discussions

I have been kicking this news story around in my head for the past week or so and am curious what the general opinion of others is.  
Recently, a 3 week old baby was mauled to death by a Husky. The 17 year old mother had stepped outside for a smoke and had left baby strapped in a carseat in the house a few meters away with the dog inside. The article I read (on www.TheSpec.com) said she hadn't even shut the door to go outside when she heard a noise, came back in and the dog had jumped up on the baby, causing it's death.  
The next day, the mother was charged with manslaughter.  
As I said, this story had bothered me and I go back and forth. On one hand, I understand that the young mother was at fault for leaving her baby within reach of the dog. She should have brought baby with her outside or even put baby in the doorway in his/her seat. At very least she should have put the baby up so the dog couldn't have had any access. But I really question the manslaughter charge.  
I am a mother of two, and I have had my moments of inattention in raising my children. I am sure there have even been times when something terrible could have happened but fortunately didn't.  
It just seems nowadays that there always has to be legal ramifecations and it gets to a point when it seems like it is crossing a line. Sometimes someone just makes a mistake and the result of that mistake is/should be punishment enough.  
I guess I have a hard time believing that any parent could say they have never had a time when they have absentmindedly put their children in a situation which could have had a bad result. And if that "bad result" happens, should we expect to have no compassion and forgiveness, only judgement?  
Thoughts?