2-year-old taken to hospital after being attacked by 3 family dogs in Hoke County

ABERDEEN, N.C. (WTVD) -- A 2-year-old boy was taken to the hospital after being attacked by three of his family's dogs on Monday, according to authorities.

It happened in the 500 block of Kearns Lane just after 11:30 a.m. Deputies originally said it was one dog but officials later gave an update saying three dogs were involved. According to deputies, the child's blood was on all three of the animals.

The boy had severe injuries to his head and neck and Sheriff Hubert Peterkin says the boy is in very serious condition. He was taken to UNC Hospital by helicopter.

The Hoke County Sheriff's Office said that the boy was playing outside when the attack happened. He was being babysat by his aunt, and when the aunt went inside to check on another child, the boy wandered over to the dogs, according to deputies.

At least one dog was chained when authorities arrived but deputies said they did not know if the dog was tethered when the incident occurred. They are unsure which dog attacked first.

All three dogs were picked up by animal control.