In High Springs, Florida, a two-year-old toddler was mauled to death by two dogs on Friday at the family’s home. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office stated the child was pronounced dead at the house; his grandmother suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized.
According to the Gainesville Sun, the family tragedy involved six dogs in the home – two of whom attacked the child. The animals have all been taken to the Alachua County Animal Services.
The incident occurred on Friday morning around a mobile home where relatives of the child lived. The grandmother and the toddler had gone to the house to take care of the dogs while the daughter was at work – something the grandmother often did. When she arrived, two of the dogs had been out in the yard, and while the grandmother went inside to make a sandwich, the child was left out to play with the dogs. When the grandmother walked outside, the child and the dogs were gone.
Moments later the grandmother heard noises coming from an outbuilding and rushed back to find the two dogs mauling the child. She fought the dogs off with a shovel despite sustaining injuries to her neck. She called 911 and help arrived within minutes.
The two dogs were seized and are currently being quarantined. The dogs all appeared healthy and were kept in clean conditions the Alachua County Animal Services reported. The dogs had all been previously adopted and included a boxer-pit mix, Dogo Argentino, Labrador retriever mix and various mixed breeds.
A statement by Animal Services posted it was the toddler’s aunt who owned the dogs. The dogs involved in the attack were surrendered by the owner – an American Staffordshire mix and a chocolate Labrador retriever mix. A background check reported no problems with the dogs.
An investigation into what precipitated the attack is ongoing.
The family’s names have not been made public as of this time.
Why would anyone leave a toddler alone with dogs? Your thoughts?
(Photo of home where toddler was mauled to death by dogs via New4Jax)
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook.
Clever pooch!
Only a LUNATIC would leave a toddler alone with dogs! Who knows what the toddler did to the dogs to make them attack?!
I blame the grandmother. It’s 100% her fault. I hope the dogs aren’t killed because of it.