Newborn killed in Kenly was attacked by stray dog the family took in, police say

KENLY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A newborn baby who died in Kenly on Wednesday was attacked by a stray dog that the family had taken in a couple days before, police said on Thursday.

The tragedy happened around 5 a.m. at a home on South Church Street.

The 8-day-old baby boy was reportedly attacked by a female pit bull.

The pit bull was seized by animal control and officials said it will be euthanized.

"First and foremost, we offer our sincere condolences to the family and their friends during this difficult time," Chief Josh Gibson said.

Back in May, a 10-month-old baby died after being attacked by two family dogs in Johnston County. In that case, investigators determined the father, who is a law enforcement officer, had briefly left the baby unattended in the home to go outside and move a sprinkler in the yard. He heard a commotion and when he went back inside, the girl had been attacked by the dogs.

Additionally, in April, a 7-year-old girl was mauled by a dog in Garner.

These incidents represent extreme outcomes, but an I-Team investigation found that, each year, hundreds of dog bites are reported in local counties and cities.

Two hundred and 45 bites were reported in Wake County last year and 1,800 have been reported in the past five years.