A horrific incident in Tennessee has left a community in shock after a grandfather and his infant granddaughter were fatally mauled by the family's own dogs. Police were forced to shoot the animals in a desperate attempt to stop the attack.
A Desperate and Brutal Scene
The Tullahoma Police Department responded to a call at a property on East Warren Street at approximately 3pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Upon arrival, officers discovered a scene of utter devastation. The body of 50-year-old James Alexander Smith was found inside the home. Tragically, his three-month-old granddaughter was still being actively attacked by a pack of seven pitbull-type dogs.
Despite immediate intervention, which required officers to euthanise the dogs at the scene, the infant could not be saved. Both victims were pronounced deceased. "This was an especially difficult and brutal scene," stated Attorney General Craig Northcott, who asked for prayers for the grieving family and the first responders dealing with the trauma.
Neighbours Report Prior Concerns
Disturbing details have emerged from neighbours, suggesting the dangerous dogs had a history of escaping their confines. Rebecca Adams, a local resident, reported hearing the child's mother screaming "my baby" as police forced entry into the property.
Adams also claimed the dogs were kept in a yard but would regularly break free, chasing other animals in the neighbourhood. "They'd run after cats, they'd run after dogs, you know, animal things. I could see them being aggressive towards animals. Never did I think they would do that to the kids," she told local media.
Ongoing Investigation into the Tragedy
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to piece together the exact sequence of events. Key lines of inquiry include determining whether the mauling was the cause of death for both victims or occurred postmortem.
Investigators are also examining:
- The past violent history of the dogs involved.
- Any previous interventions by child or animal services at the address.
- Other potential factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
No criminal charges have been filed at this time. The dogs involved in the attack were killed at the scene. Other animals from the home have been taken into the custody of Tullahoma Animal Control, which will decide their fate. The community of Tullahoma is now left to mourn an unimaginable loss as officials seek answers.
