Otter Tail County (trfnews.i234.me) — A child died in a dog attack west of New York Mills.
Authorities have now released the child’s name.
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office said the victim was 3-year-old Beckett Brown.
His grandmother, Kristen Nelson, 51, was also hurt in the attack.
911 call and emergency trip
Dispatch received a 911 call at about 1 p.m. on Jan. 11.
Authorities said Nelson reported serious dog bite injuries to her grandson.
She said she was driving herself and Brown to the Perham Health emergency department.
Deputies met them at the hospital and began their investigation.
What deputies say happened
The sheriff’s office said the incident happened at Nelson’s home in rural Otter Tail County.
Her home is located west of New York Mills, according to the release.
Investigators said Brown climbed into an outdoor enclosed area where the dog was kept.
The dog attacked him inside the enclosure, the sheriff’s office said.
Brown later died from his injuries, according to authorities.
Grandmother injured
Authorities said Nelson was hurt while trying to stop the attack.
Officials described her injuries as significant.
She was transported to a hospital in Fargo for treatment.
Dog involved
Investigators said the dog was an adult American Bulldog owned by the family.
The family destroyed the dog after the attack, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigation continues
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is still ongoing.
Officials have not released more details about how the dog was secured.
More details were shared in a report by the Echo Press.
Anyone with information can contact the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
Safety reminders for families
Experts urge close adult supervision when young children are near dogs.
They also warn against entering fenced areas where a dog is kept.
- Ask an owner before you touch an unfamiliar dog.
- Let a dog sniff you first, and stay calm.
- Do not bother a dog that is eating or sleeping.
- Keep small children away from dogs when adults are not present.
- Use safe barriers and locks around kennels and runs.
More prevention tips are posted by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The CDC also offers guidance on reducing dog bite risk.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.