Boy Killed In California Pit Bull Attack

Tyler Trammel Huston, 9, was killed in a dog attack after three pit bulls mauled him to death when he was staying in his sister’s house in Linda, California.

According to a KTRK news report, the fatal incident occurred on January 3, 2016 when the three dogs were inside Alexandria Griffin-Heady’s trailer. Relatives say the boy had been living with a foster family in Elk Grove but occasionally came to visit his older sister. Police say the sister left Tyler alone to go to work and that’s when the dogs attacked.

Authorities are trying to decide if she should face criminal charges. The dogs are locked up at the Yuba County Animal Shelter where they are likely to be put down. A lawyer for Griffin-Heady said she has had the dogs since they were puppies and that the animals had always appeared tame and friendly around the boy. The investigation is ongoing.

This is a heartbreaking incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the boy’s family members.

Pit Bull Attacks

Based on this news report, all three dogs that attacked the child were pit bulls. According to Dogsbite.org, pit bulls are top on the list of dangerous breeds that cause the most number of dog-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Attacks by pit bulls and pit bull mixes outnumber attacks by any other dog breed, according to the victims advocacy group. Pit bulls are also well known for attacking adults almost as frequently as children.

If a pit bull has a bad moment, instead of a person being bitten, he or she is often maimed for life or killed. Pit bulls also tend to attack in packs more than any other breed as they did in this case.

Keeping Our Children Safe

There are several steps we can take to keep our children and ourselves safe from dangerous dogs. Here are a few tips:

• Never leave an infant, toddler or child alone with any dog, regardless of breed.
• Be way in new or temporary situations involving children and dangerous dog breeds.
• Never approach a chained or restrained dog, especially if it is male and unaltered.
• Do not approach a pack of loose dogs, regardless of whether they are known or unknown to you.
• Never insert yourself into a dogfight, especially when pit bulls are involved.
• Do not approach a vehicle with a dog inside or in the bed of a truck.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. An experienced California dog bite attorney can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.