8-year-old killed by family dog while letting pets outside with sibling, NC cops say

An 8-year-old boy died after his family’s dog attacked him while he was letting the pets outside to use the bathroom, North Carolina authorities said.

First responders found the child was found with fatal bite marks on his neck the afternoon of Nov. 29, according to a Dec. 2 news release from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.

The boy and his sibling were taking the two dogs outside the Jacksonville home the day after Thanksgiving when one of the dogs attacked, deputies said.

The boy’s family told investigators the dogs, described as pit bull/great Dane mixes, had no history of aggression. Animal control and law enforcement said they hadn’t received previous calls about the animals.

Emergency medical personnel treated the child on the scene before rushing him to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, where he died not long after arriving, deputies said.

Animal control quarantined both dogs, according to the sheriff’s office.

Jacksonville is near North Carolina’s coast, about a 55-mile drive northeast from Wilmington.

What to know about dog attacks

“Dog bites can cause pain, injury, and spread germs that cause infection,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “Nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog requires medical attention.”

Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 of those people need medical attention, according to the CDC.

Any dog can bite if they feel scared or nervous, or if they want to be alone. You should never approach a dog that seems angry or scared, the CDC said.

If an unfamiliar dog comes up to you, officials say you should:

• Stay calm and be still.

• Avoid eye contact with the dog.

• Don’t panic or make loud noises. Don’t run.

• Say “no” or “go home” in a deep voice. Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.

• Slowly raise your hands to your neck and back away slowly.

This story was originally published December 4, 2024 at 12:35 PM with the headline "8-year-old killed by family dog while letting pets outside with sibling, NC cops say."