DUNCANVILLE, Texas — The dogs involved in an attack that killed a 1-year-old child in Duncanville were euthanized as of Friday evening, police say.
Police say they were called at about 10:40 a.m. Monday to the 1500 block of Lime Leaf Lane regarding the incident.
During a press conference on Monday evening, police said the child was attacked by three Shepherd mix dogs, who were outside the house but somehow made their way inside. The dogs were about 80 pounds each, Chief Matthew Stogner said. The infant was one of four children at the home, where they were being babysat. No other children were harmed. The homeowner owned four dogs, but three were involved in the incident, according to police.
A resident at the home had tried to pull the dogs off of the infant, but was unsuccessful, Stogner said. She also sustained some injuries.
That woman, neighbors told WFAA, often babysits children.
"She’s been taking care of kids down there forever," neighbor David Trout said. "She means well, she’s a sweetheart, she’s taken care of kids down there without any kind of problem."
Police would not say if that woman is a family friend of the child who died or if she runs an in-home daycare.
"Really don’t want to get into that at this point since it’s under investigation," Stogner told reporters. "So, I really can’t answer that at this point...I apologize."
Upon arrival, officers and paramedics immediately began performing life-saving measures on the unconscious victim, police said. Officers provided an emergency escort while the child was being taken to the Children's Medical Center in Dallas due to the severity of their injuries, but the child was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
"I don’t wish this on anybody," Trout said.
The dogs are now in possession of Duncanville Animal Control, police said. Police are investigating, and criminal charges could be filed once the investigation is complete.
"Obviously we’re going to work with the Dallas County DA’s office and the family of the deceased and figure out our best course of action," Stogner said. "Our hearts go out to the family. There’s no question this is a tragedy."
"The kid’s family, whoever’s family it is, it’s just a terrible thing," Trout said.
Duncanville Animal Control responded to the scene and took possession of the dogs, police said. The dogs were euthanized as of April 19, police say.