Texas baby mauled to death by dog in horror attack - neighbor recalls horror 'of blood everywhere'

A tragic incident in Texas has left a community in mourning after a 6-month-old baby was fatally attacked by the family dog, leading to the animal being euthanized.

The devastating event occurred at the Inverness Gardens apartments in Baytown, where neighbors described the infant as 'precious.'

The Baytown police were called to the scene around 4 p.m. following a distress call from a neighbor's wife, who reported the mother seeking help in a state of panic. Despite being rushed to the emergency room, the baby succumbed to her injuries. Residents of the complex recalled the baby's recent half-year celebration with a modest gathering.

A neighbor recounted the harrowing moment when the child's mother sought help, saying, "She knocked on my door, baby in hand. Blood was everywhere," and added, "The mother was just devastated.", reports the Express US.

A separate neighbor shared with Fox that the baby appeared to have a head wound and looked lifeless with an unnatural grayish color. "So she was walking out, and she handed her baby to the paramedics. She thought her baby was alive."

The family owned two dogs; however, only one was implicated in the attack. Both animals were taken into custody, but only the aggressor is scheduled for euthanasia.

The second dog, which was kenneled during the incident, may remain with the family if they choose. After the heartbreaking loss, the family verbally consented to give up the dog responsible.

Neighbors have reported to Click2Houston witnessing aggressive behavior from the dogs prior to the tragic incident, as the investigation into the attack's circumstances is ongoing.

A local resident shared with Fox26 a poignant memory of the family, "When they moved in, [the mother] was pregnant, so we watched her walk around big and pregnant. And then, she had the baby, so everyone fell in love with the baby. She looked like a porcelain doll. She was precious," he recounted.

The community also spoke to KHOU about the aftermath of the attack, revealing that the distraught mother was heard repeating, "God I trust you, God I trust you, God," while cradling her injured infant. Neighbor Ken Sheltoe described the harrowing scene, noting, "There was blood all over the baby's head. Prayers out to the baby," he expressed.

Authorities have not disclosed the names of the baby or family members involved, and no criminal charges have been filed in relation to the incident.

Dog experts emphasize that although this particular case involved a pit bull, 'any dog' has the potential to bite. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against leaving children, especially babies, unsupervised with any breed of dog.

Data from the American Academy of Family Physicians indicates that children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, with 70% of reported incidents involving an animal known to the child. The majority of these young victims sustain injuries to their heads and necks, the organization notes.

Parents must take the necessary precautions to keep dogs away from cribs or other areas where children are present. As children grow, it's crucial to teach them 'proper dog etiquette.'

This includes avoiding petting unfamiliar dogs or those behind fences, returning home if they encounter an off-leash dog, refraining from sudden movements around territorial animals, and learning the correct way to 'pet' animals to prevent causing them harm, which could trigger a violent reaction.