Authorities said the attack injured both a 5-month-old boy and an adult inside an Anderson County residence.
ANDERSON, S.C. — A 5-month-old boy died Friday after suffering severe injuries in a reported dog attack at a home in Anderson County, South Carolina, authorities said. An adult was also seriously injured during the incident, which happened Thursday afternoon on Wilson Street.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack as local officials work to determine exactly what led to the injuries. The child’s death has been ruled accidental by the Anderson County coroner, while law enforcement officers and animal control authorities continue reviewing evidence connected to the case. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the dangers posed by severe dog attacks involving children, particularly in residential settings where victims and animals often know each other.
Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said emergency crews responded to the home Thursday after receiving reports of a dog attack involving multiple victims. When first responders arrived, they found the infant and an adult suffering from serious injuries. Authorities said both victims were initially treated at AnMed Medical Center before the child was transferred by helicopter to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville because of the severity of his condition. Officials did not release details about how long emergency crews remained at the home or how many people were inside the residence at the time of the attack. The sheriff’s office also has not publicly identified the breed of the dog involved or explained what may have triggered the incident. Investigators said the attack remains under active review as detectives continue gathering statements and evidence.
The Anderson County coroner said the infant died Friday afternoon from multiple traumatic injuries sustained during the attack. Officials described the death as accidental following a preliminary examination of the circumstances surrounding the case. The adult victim suffered serious injuries but was later released after receiving medical treatment, authorities said. Law enforcement officials stated that the dog involved initially fled the home after the attack before deputies later secured the animal. The sheriff’s office said the dog was taken to Anderson County PAWS, the county’s animal shelter, while the investigation continues. Authorities have not announced whether the animal will undergo additional behavioral evaluation or whether any decisions have been made regarding its future custody. Investigators also have not released information about the relationship between the victims and the dog, including whether the animal belonged to the household or another person connected to the residence.
Fatal dog attacks involving children remain relatively uncommon nationwide, but experts have long noted that infants and young children face a greater risk of severe injury because of their size and vulnerability. Cases involving household pets often become the subject of detailed investigations aimed at determining whether prior aggressive behavior had been documented and whether safety measures were in place before the incident occurred. South Carolina authorities have not indicated whether the dog involved in the Anderson County case had any previous history of attacks or complaints. In many serious incidents involving children, investigators review veterinary records, vaccination status, prior animal control reports and witness accounts to build a timeline of events leading up to the attack. Officials in Anderson County have not publicly discussed whether criminal charges or citations are being considered as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities said detectives and animal control officials are continuing to collect information from the scene and interview witnesses connected to the household. The sheriff’s office has not announced a timeline for completing the investigation or releasing additional findings. Officials also have not disclosed whether toxicology testing, forensic reviews or independent veterinary assessments will be part of the case. The coroner’s office is expected to complete additional documentation connected to the child’s death in the coming weeks. Investigators typically review medical reports, emergency response records and witness statements before determining whether any legal or administrative actions are warranted. As of Friday evening, no charges had been announced, and officials had not scheduled a public briefing regarding the incident. The sheriff’s office said updates would be released as more verified information becomes available.
Neighbors and residents in Anderson County continued discussing the tragedy Friday as investigators worked at the property and officials transported the dog to the county shelter facility. Emergency vehicles and law enforcement activity drew attention to the quiet residential street where the attack occurred. Authorities have released only limited details publicly, and officials have not identified the infant or the adult victim involved. The case has prompted an emotional response in the community because of the age of the child and the sudden nature of the incident. Local officials have asked for patience while investigators continue reviewing evidence and reconstructing the events leading up to the attack. The sheriff’s office said detectives are focused on determining a complete account of what occurred inside the home before the victims were discovered and emergency responders arrived.
The investigation remained active Friday night as authorities awaited additional findings connected to the attack. Officials said the dog would remain in the custody of Anderson County PAWS while detectives continue their review. Additional information is expected to be released after investigators complete interviews and evidence analysis.
Author note: Last updated May 18, 2026.