15-month-old tot girl mauled dead by pit bull mix ‘pet’

A 15-month-old baby girl was killed Thursday when a family dog attacked, and two adult members of the family were injured trying to intervene, East Providence police said in a statement.

WPRI reported that the little girl was at her grandparents’ home, and the grandparents had brought her outside into their backyard for lunch just before 3 p.m. East Providence Police Chief William Nebus told the station the dog “suddenly went after the child” when she was put on the ground.

Responding police found the child (pictured) with “significant injuries,” police said. She was rushed to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The two adults were taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.

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“It’s hard because even a family dog, a family-friendly dog, can suddenly lash out for whatever reason,” Nebus said. The dog was euthanized by police and animal control.

The chief said police were still investigating and weren’t aware of any other incidents involving the dog, a pit-bull type that belonged to the grandparents.

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[Featured image: Mauling victim (unnamed)/GoFundMe]