Toddler, Infant Killed By Family Dogs In Tennessee: Police

SHELBY COUNTY, TN — A toddler and infant were killed Wednesday near Memphis by two family dogs, according to police.

Law enforcement responded about 3:30 p.m. to a home near Shelby Forest State Park after the animals attacked a 2-year-old girl, a five-month-old boy and their mother, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said in a tweet. The children were pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

The mother was in critical condition as of Wednesday night but had stabilized by Thursday afternoon, police said. The dogs, both pit bulls, were euthanized Thursday by Memphis Animal Services, according to police. The investigation is ongoing.

Dog trainer Allen McCoy spoke to WMC about the incident, noting owners should be conscientious about whether it’s appropriate to introduce their pets to certain things. Many dogs have the potential to be aggressive depending on environment, McCoy told the outlet, adding certain illnesses can also lead to such behavior.