Family Dog Mauls, Kills Springfield Township Infant

A  2½-month-old baby was attacked and killed by a cattle dog at his home in Springfield Township Sunday morning, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said.

When deputies arrived at the home in the 8000 block of Tindall Road at 11:41 a.m. Sunday, the baby’s father, 26, was placing him in the front seat of his truck to take him to the hospital. Deputies began CPR and the baby was transported to the Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc Township, the airlifted to William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, but died of his wounds.

The name of the family has not been released.

"This is a tragic incident and it is a sad reminder to keep animals away from small children and babies no matter what the circumstances may be,” Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard said in a statement. “Animal behavior, whether intended as playful or territorial, can have devastating impact on small children. "

The dog, a Catahoula cattle dog, belongs to the baby’s 18-year-old uncle, who resides with the family. Authorities said the animal tried to jump on the couch, was pushed back, then jumped on the couch again and began attacking the infant in the head and throat area.

The baby’s father was also injured when he tried to pry open the dog’s jaws and release the infant from the hold.

The family had owned the dog, a 3½-year-old female, for about two years. The dog bite a neighbor on the arm several months ago, but did not cause serious injury, the sheriff’s office said.

Oakland County Animal Control took custody of the dog and plans to euthanize it. Child Protective Services was also contacted and advised of the investigation.