15 month-old toddler mauled to death by family pit bull

https://ift.tt/2CVVkZ1

A 15-month-old toddler was mauled to death by a family dog in their garden.

The girl - named on a GoFundMe page as Scarlett- was sat in in her grandparents' back garden along with the pit bull, before the pet attacked her.

Two adult relatives were also injured in what was described as an "unprovoked attack" in East Providence, Rhode Island.

Local police officers were called to the home at around 2.45pm on Thursday and found the child had been bitten several times by the family dog.


Scarlett was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Upper South Providence less than three miles away where she later died, police confirmed.

East Providence Police Chief William Nebus told  WPRI  the dog "suddenly went after the child" when she was put on the ground.

"The family had sat down for lunch outside.

"The baby was on the ground roaming freely and the dog, in the fenced-in backyard, was also roaming freely. As far as we know, it was an unprovoked attack.

"It's hard because even a family dog, a family-friendly dog, can suddenly lash out for whatever reason," he said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Scarlett's parents, who have been named as Manny and Brianne Pereira.

The page reads: "With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I share with you the loss of this very beautiful and loved baby girl.

"Yesterday afternoon, my former brother in law and his wife had their baby girl TRAGICALLY taken from them.

"She was 15 months old and just starting to walk. She was brutally attacked by a family members dog and did not make it. This was my oldest sons only cousin on his fathers side.

"Manny and Brianne Pereira, the parents of this beloved, sweet girl have always been family. My heart aches so hard for them right now. I cannot imagine the burden of losing my baby so tragically and then bearing the unexpected expenses that come along with such a loss.

"I ask you to dig deep today and give anything you can possibly give. No amount is too little or too much. I appreciate all of your help and support during this difficult time. I will keep you updated when we find out when the services are."

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Police said there were no prior incidents with the pit bull.