7-month-old mauled to death by dog, Georgia deputies say. Great-grandmother injured
UPDATE: The great-grandmother of a 7-month-old killed in deadly dog attack has been charged in the baby’s death, Columbia County sheriff’s deputies confirmed to McClatchy News. Original story continues below.
A 7-month-old child has died after being mauled by a dog at a home in east Georgia this week, multiple news outlets report.
The child was in the care of her great-grandmother on March 22 when the attack unfolded at a home in the 3700 block of Columbia Drive in Martinez, The Augusta Chronicle reported, citing the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
The infant, identified as Serenity Garnett, was taken to AU Medical Center for treatment but died, the Columbia County Coroner’s Office confirmed to McClatchy News. Her great-grandmother also suffered serious injuries.
The woman and her great-granddaughter were attacked by an American bulldog-Great Pyrenees mix, WRDW reported, citing sheriff’s deputies. Authorities had originally identified it as a pit bull terrier.
McClatchy News reached out to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, March 23, and was awaiting a response.
The great-grandmother, who wasn’t named, rents a room in the home where the attack occurred and watches the dog for its owner, WJBF reported. Neighbors who have seen the dog outside before described it as “hard to control.”
“She didn’t have the strength to deal with that dog,” neighbor Stephen Fox told the news station. “That dog had muscles coming out the wazoo. When he got out occasionally it was very hard to get back.”
The great-grandmother’s condition was unknown as of March 23.
So far no charges have been filed, but authorities said the case is still under investigation.
This story was originally published March 23, 2022 at 9:53 AM with the headline "7-month-old mauled to death by dog, Georgia deputies say. Great-grandmother injured."