Family dogs maul little girl to death in Navajo County, sheriff's office says
NAVAJO COUNTY, Ariz. - A child was mauled to death by family dogs in Navajo County, the sheriff's office said.
The incident happened at a home on Friday, Aug. 9 around 6:30 p.m. in Aripine.
"The victim was at home with many members of her family and had run outside to turn off a water spigot. The family dogs routinely interact and are familiar with the family and children. For unknown reasons, the dogs attacked the young girl, causing severe physical trauma," the Navajo County Sheriff's Office said.
Family members tried to give medical help to the unidentified nine-year-old girl, but she died.
"The investigation of this tragic incident is being handled by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office-Criminal Investigation Unit and the Navajo County Animal Control. Due to the ongoing investigation, no further information will be released," the sheriff's office said.
Deputies say the girl's family raises Cane Corso dogs.
"Our hearts just pour out for this family, not only here in the headquarters at the Navajo County Sheriff's Office, but the guys who work on the street that responded to this. This is not the type of call that anybody ever wants to be involved in," said Navajo County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Brian Swanty.
Swanty says the dogs have been seized from the home and will be 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.