Child Fatally Injured by Dog Attack in Hartwell

Hartwell Police Chief Anthony Davis has confirmed a child was attacked and fatally injured by dogs Tuesday in Hartwell.

It happened Tuesday afternoon in a backyard off of Highland Ave near Athens Street in Hartwell.

Authorities say a 1-year-old child was attacked by two dogs in the backyard of the child’s residence leading to fatal injuries, the child was pronounced dead after being transported to a local urgent care facility.

According to police reports, one person, Sandra Adams of Hartwell, has been arrested in the case and at this time faces charges of second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and cruelty to children second degree.

Special agent Mike Ayers of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the GBI is investigating the incident.

“The child will be transported to the GBI crime lab in Decatur, GA for autopsy and that’s kind of where we’re at at this time,” said Ayers.

GBI said all dogs on the property are now in their custody and the dogs involved will be euthanized after a 48-hour observation period. More information is expected to be released at a later time.