An 8-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being attacked by two dogs near DeLand, Florida, on Monday evening. The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. in a residential neighborhood north of DeLand, near Arabesque Drive and Airport Road. Witnesses who observed the attack immediately called 911 and attempted to administer CPR to the child. Unfortunately, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the emergency, alongside Volusia County Animal Services. The two dogs involved in the attack, described as a pit bull and a mixed breed, were captured at the scene and placed in quarantine for further investigation. Authorities are now working to understand the events leading up to the deadly attack.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as “a tragedy beyond comprehension” and extending condolences to the boy’s family. He urged the community to keep the grieving family in their thoughts and prayers. “This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents,” Chitwood wrote in a social media post.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from the public, with some individuals calling for stricter laws regarding dangerous dog breeds, particularly pit bulls. One commenter suggested that pit bulls should be banned, while others called for severe consequences for the dog’s owners, including prosecution for murder.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities seeking to determine how the dogs came to attack the child and whether any criminal charges will be filed against the owners. It remains unclear what will happen to the two dogs involved in the attack or if the owners will face any legal consequences. Sheriff Chitwood is expected to provide more details during a press briefing scheduled for Tuesday.