Two dogs were removed from the Tar Heel residence as investigators work to determine what happened and whether charges are warranted.
TAR HEEL, N.C. — An infant younger than 6 months died after being attacked by a dog at a home in Bladen County, authorities said, leading to a joint investigation involving the sheriff’s office, prosecutors and social services.
Deputies with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Tar Heel home at about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, after receiving a report of an animal attack. Authorities have not publicly identified the child or released the address of the residence. Officials also have not disclosed who was at the home when the attack occurred or what happened immediately beforehand.
Animal control officers removed two dogs from the residence following the child’s death. Both animals were being held by animal control while investigators worked to determine which dog was involved. The sheriff’s office said it remained unclear whether one dog or both animals took part in the fatal attack.
Authorities have not released the breeds, ages or ownership information for the dogs. They also have not publicly explained how either animal gained access to the infant or whether an adult was in the same area when the attack happened. Those circumstances remain among the unanswered questions surrounding the death.
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is investigating alongside the District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Social Services. District Attorney Jon David said his office’s involvement does not mean criminal charges will necessarily be filed. Any decision about possible charges will depend on what investigators determine about the circumstances of the child’s death.
A local report citing the sheriff’s office said charges were possible, but authorities had not announced any criminal charges in the most recent reports available. No person had been publicly accused of wrongdoing. Officials have released few details while the investigation remains active.
The child’s identity also remained withheld. Authorities have not publicly released information about the infant’s family, including the child’s relationship to the owner or owners of the dogs. No verified public account has established where the dogs were immediately before the attack or how long they had been at the residence.
The investigation remained ongoing, with the two dogs in animal control custody and the sheriff’s office, District Attorney’s Office and Department of Social Services reviewing the case. The dogs’ breeds, the exact circumstances of the attack and any potential legal action had not been publicly announced.
Author note: Last updated August 9, 2026.