DETROIT – Officials say a 4-year-old boy has died after being mauled by a dog while playing in his backyard on Detroit’s west side.
The incident occurred Wednesday (Oct. 18) in the 9300 block of Pierson Street.
The family has identified the boy as 4-year-old Lovell Anderson. Anderson was at his grandma’s house playing in the backyard when he was attacked.
Anderson’s aunts said a neighbor’s dog got through the fence and mauled the boy.
“(He was) Just so full of life,” Anderson’s aunt Monique Grant said when asked to describe his personality.
The family hired Fieger Law to represent them in the matter.
Attorney Peter O’Toole said the family is seeking justice and closure.
“The event was so horrific that people across the street could hear, and they were the ones that contacted authorities right away,” said O’Toole.
Animal control took Multiple dogs into custody as officials confirm what dog was responsible for the attack.
No further information about the dog or the owner has been released.
“Anytime that we have an event like this, it reminds everybody that if you do have a dog to secure your dog,” said Commander Arnold Williams of the Detroit Police Department 6th Precinct. “Make your dog can’t get out, and that’s the most important thing. But for a mauling like this, the child was in his own backyard, pretty much doing what all kids do. So our support goes out to the family.”