The dog, an English Mastiff, was euthanized by police following the attack
The roof of a police patrol car at night, with the blue and red lights flashing. Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
A 7-month-old baby girl has died after being attacked by her family’s dog
Police in Portland, Tenn., were called to a residence on April 20, where they found that the child had succumbed to the injuries she sustained during the attack
The child’s mother, whose identity has not been released, was also injured in the attack
A 7-month-old baby girl in Tennessee has died after she was attacked by her family's dog.
Police were called to a home in Portland, Tenn., around 7 a.m., local time on April 20 to investigate a report of a deceased infant, according to a press release issued by the Portland Police Department. When they arrived, officers discovered that the dog had entered the home through the back door, where it attacked the child, who "succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack," per the release.
The dog, which was described by local outlet WSMV as an English Mastiff, was still at the scene when police arrived, and "exhibited aggressive behavior," which caused officers to euthanize the animal for "the safety of those present," according to the press release.
The victim, whose identity has not been made public, was a 7-month-old baby girl, per WSMV. The child's mother was also injured in the attack, but is expected to recover, the outlet reported.
An unnamed family member told WSMV that the family had owned the dog for "several years," and it had not previously shown aggression.
The Portland Police Department expressed condolences to the family amid the tragedy, and noted the "emotional impact" that the incident had on first responders.
"The Portland Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family during this extraordinarily difficult time," the department's statement concluded. "We also recognize the emotional impact such incidents have on first responders and appreciate their professionalism in handling this tragic situation."
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