NAVAJO COUNTY, Arizona. – A child was bitten to death by family dogs in Navajo Territorythe sheriff’s office said.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 9, around 6:30 p.m. in a house in Aripin.
“The victim was at home with many family members and had run outside to turn off a water faucet. The family dogs have regular contact with the family and children and are familiar with them. For unknown reasons, the dogs attacked the young girl, causing serious physical injuries,” the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said.
Family members attempted to provide medical assistance to the unidentified nine-year-old girl, but she died.
“The investigation into this tragic incident is being conducted by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and Navajo County Animal Control. Because the investigation is ongoing, no further information will be released,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies say the girl’s family breeds Cane Corsos.
“Our condolences go out to this family, not only here at the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, but also to the men working the streets who responded to the call. This is not the type of call anyone ever wants to be faced with,” said Brian Swanty, deputy chief of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
Swanty says the dogs have been seized from the home and are being examined as part of the investigation. He says the dogs likely won’t be returned to the family.
Aripine is about three hours from Phoenix.
Map of incident location:
