A Tennessee community is reeling after a grandfather and his three‑month‑old granddaughter were killed in what authorities described as an “especially difficult and brutal” dog attack at a home in Tullahoma. The victims have been identified as 50‑year‑old James Alexander Smith and his infant granddaughter International Business Times UK NBC News.
Police were called to the residence on East Warren Street around 3 p.m. on December 3, where officers arrived to find multiple pit bulls “actively mauling” the baby, according to the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office NBC News WZTV Fox 17. Officers shot and killed the dogs to stop the attack, but both victims were already deceased when first responders reached them WZTV Fox 17 The Independent.
Authorities say seven pit bulls belonging to the family were involved in the incident, and animal control removed the remaining dogs from the property International Business Times UK. Investigators are working to determine whether the mauling occurred before or after the victims’ deaths, and no criminal charges have yet been announced NBC News.
Smith, a longtime Tullahoma resident, was reportedly caring for his granddaughter at the time of the attack. Neighbours told local media they heard screams moments before police arrived, describing the scene as chaotic and deeply distressing The Independent.
Officials say fatal dog attacks are rare but can be catastrophic when multiple animals are involved. The district attorney’s office urged the public to keep the family and first responders in their thoughts as they process the trauma of the event WZTV Fox 17 The Independent.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review the dogs’ history, the home environment and any prior behavioural concerns.
Pitbulls Picture on Flickr by PitBull Press
