Loose dog kills ‘sweet, gentle’ 4-year-old playing in backyard, Michigan cops say

Mike Stunson
·2 min read
4

A 4-year-old boy was mauled to death by a loose dog as he was playing in his grandma’s fenced-in backyard, according to Michigan police and news reports.

Detroit police said the fatal attack happened around 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18.

It’s believed the boy, identified as Lovell Anderson, was playing in the backyard when a neighbor’s pit bull jumped the fence and attacked him, according to WXYZ. The dog dragged Lovell to its own backyard through a gap in the fence.

“The event was so horrific that people across the street could hear, and they were the ones that contacted authorities right away,” Peter O’Toole, the family’s attorney, told WDIV.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene, police told WWJ. The pit bull was taken by animal control officers, but charges have not been announced against the dog’s owner.

Arnold Williams of the Detroit Police Department said in an interview with WDIV the incident is a reminder people should secure their dogs.

“The child was in his own backyard, pretty much doing what all kids do,” Williams told WJBK.

Lovell was described by his aunt Monique Grant as being “full of life (with) a sweet, gentle soul,” according to WWJ.

“Just such a gentleman, so helpful. Just sweet,” Maple Blackshear, another aunt, said of the only child, WXYZ reported.

WJBK reported Lovell’s family is pursuing legal action.

What to know about dog attacks

“Dogs give us comfort, companionship, exercise, entertainment, and unconditional love,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “But it’s important to remember that any dog can bite, even trusted family pets.”

Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 of those people need medical attention, according to the CDC.

Any dog can bite if they feel scared or nervous, or if they want to be alone. You should never approach a dog that seems angry or scared, the CDC said.

If an unfamiliar dog comes up to you, officials say you should:

  • Stay calm and be still.

  • Avoid eye contact with the dog.

  • Don’t panic or make loud noises. Don’t run.

  • Say “no” or “go home” in a deep voice. Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.

  • Slowly raise your hands to your neck and back away slowly.

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