A 7-month-old girl in Portland, Tennessee, died after being attacked by the family dog on April 20. Officers who responded around 7 a.m. found the infant had succumbed to her injuries.
The dog, reported by local media as an English Mastiff, was euthanized at the scene after displaying aggressive behavior. The child’s mother was injured but is expected to recover; the incident is under investigation.
A 7-month-old baby girl died after being attacked by the family dog at a home in Portland, Tennessee, police said. Officers were called to the residence on April 20 and discovered the infant had succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack.
According to a press release from the Portland Police Department, officers responded at about 7 a.m. local time after receiving a report of a deceased infant. When they arrived, they learned the dog had entered the home through the back door and attacked the child.
Local station WSMV identified the animal as an English Mastiff. The dog remained at the scene and displayed aggressive behavior, and officers made the decision to euthanize the animal "for the safety of those present," the department said.
The infant’s identity has not been released. The child's mother was also injured during the incident but is expected to recover, officials and local media reported. An unnamed family member told WSMV that the dog had been with the family for several years and had not previously shown signs of aggression.
"The Portland Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family during this extraordinarily difficult time," the department said. "We also recognize the emotional impact such incidents have on first responders and appreciate their professionalism in handling this tragic situation."
The incident remains under investigation by the Portland Police Department. No further details have been released at this time.
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