Toddler killed by family dog in New Orleans, police say

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - A 13-month-old boy died after being bitten by a family dog in the Gentilly Woods area of New Orleans, police said.

The fatal animal attack was reported at 6:46 p.m. Monday at a residence in the 5500 block of Seminary Place, WVUE reports.

Police said the victim, identified by the parish coroner as Apollo Duplantis, was taken by private vehicle for treatment at a hospital, where he later died.

After the attack, police say Louisiana SPCA personnel entered the backyard of the home in an attempt to subdue the family’s animal. Officers on the scene heard an LASPCA officer screaming for help and saw the dog attacking the officer, at which point a police officer shot and killed the dog.

The LASPCA officer injured in the attack is currently recovering.

The police officer who shot the dog is on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of the investigation.

Police have not said if any charges will be filed in connection to the boy’s death. His official cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

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