A tragic incident unfolded in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday when a six-year-old boy was fatally attacked by two dogs at a family friend’s residence. The boy was preparing to leave for school when the incident occurred. Responding to an emergency call, police arrived at the scene around 7:40 a.m. to find a woman, a friend of the boy’s grandmother, covered in blood.
The woman informed the officers that her two large Great Dane-Mastiff mix dogs had attacked the boy in her garage. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) reported that the woman had tried to intervene and stop the attack, even attempting to retrieve a firearm, but was unsuccessful. Mike Benner, PPB Public Information Officer, stated that the woman did everything within her power to save the boy.
The boy was declared dead at the scene. The woman, who sustained minor injuries to her hands during the incident, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The boy’s grandmother had dropped him off at the woman’s house, a routine arrangement for the boy to be taken to school.
The police noted that the boy had been previously warned to avoid the dogs and the garage where they were kept due to their aggressive nature. Despite this, there were no prior reports of the dogs causing any issues. Both dogs were involved in the attack, but one has been identified as the primary aggressor. The dogs have since been taken into the custody of Multnomah County Animal Services.
The question of whether the family friend will face charges for the incident remains unanswered. She reportedly attempted to use a firearm during the struggle but did not discharge it. Benner expressed the bureau’s deep sorrow for the boy’s family and friends, particularly given the proximity to the holiday season.
The PPB Child Abuse Team, with assistance from the Homicide Division, is leading the investigation into the incident. This tragic event is the latest in a series of violent dog attacks reported across the country.