Infant dies, mother injured after dog attack at Portland Residence

A 7-month-old baby girl has died and her mother has been seriously injured after a violent dog attack inside a family home in Portland, Tennessee, authorities said.

According to the Portland Police Department, officers were called to a residence around 7 a.m. on April 20 following reports of an unresponsive infant. 

When police arrived, they discovered that the child had suffered fatal injuries after being attacked by the family’s dog.

Investigators said the dog entered the home through a back door before attacking the infant. Despite emergency response efforts, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

The child’s mother was also injured during the attack and was transported for medical treatment. Officials said she is expected to recover. Her identity has not been released.

Local reports identified the animal as an English Mastiff. According to authorities, the dog was still present at the scene when officers arrived and displayed aggressive behavior, prompting police to euthanize the animal to ensure the safety of responders and others present.

An unnamed family member told local media that the dog had been owned by the family for several years and had no known history of aggression prior to the incident.

The police department issued a statement expressing condolences to the grieving family and acknowledging the emotional toll the tragedy placed on first responders.

“The Portland Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family during this extraordinarily difficult time,” the statement read, adding appreciation for the professionalism shown by officers at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal attack.