MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 4-year-old boy was mauled to death by a dog Wednesday morning in southwest Miami-Dade County.
It happened about 10 a.m. at 12301 SW 230th St. after police were called in reference to a missing child.
The boy was identified as Javon Dade Jr.
Miami-Dade police spokeswoman Robin Pinkard said a total of six dogs -- three adults and three puppies -- were removed from the property. Miami-Dade County Animal Services was called to take the dogs away.
Pinkard said she didn't know how many dogs were responsible for the boy's death. She said investigators are trying to determine who owned the dogs.
Sky 10 was above the scene as a teddy bear was lying in a grass field not far from a yellow tarp.
A man and woman could be seen arguing, surrounded by Miami-Dade police officers. The man later fell to the ground crying.
Pinkard said the boy was visiting his father, who lives at the home. She said the father and his girlfriend were there at the time.
Authorities believe at least one adult dog may have been trying to protect the litter when the child was fatally attacked.
According to Animal Services, only one dog appeared to be aggressive, which is an adult male pit bull. The rest of the dogs are Labrador, pit bull mixes.
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