Officials reviewing how deadly Rocky Mount dog attack on 2-year-old girl happened

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Authorities are looking for answers after a 2-year-old girl died Monday afternoon after being attacked by two dogs inside a home in the Happy Hill community, according to Rocky Mount police.

Officers said they were called to the home on Star Street around 1:30 p.m. Family friends and neighbors identified the child as Raelynn, a toddler who they frequently saw in the home where her grandparents lived.

A neighbor told ABC11 that they saw the child being carried out of the house as loved ones attempted CPR.

The neighbor said the toddler suffered severe injuries, including open wounds to her legs, head, and ear.

Police said the dogs involved were two mixed-breed pit bulls belonging to the family. The family has since surrendered the animals to Animal Services.

Residents described the loss as heartbreaking and said the tragedy has shaken the neighborhood.

ABC11 has reached out to the North Carolina Department of Social Services for information about this investigation and whether it has had any prior involvement with this family.

They provided this statement on Wednesday:

"The death of a child is an unthinkable tragedy, and we extend our condolences to the family and members of the community that have been impacted by this loss."

"North Carolina has a county-administered, state supervised child welfare system, meaning local departments of social services have the authority and responsibility to administer child welfare services for their county, while NCDHHS is the supervising and oversight agency. NCDHHS takes very seriously our responsibility to protect the health and safety of children and families in North Carolina. Confidentiality laws (N.C.G.S 7B-302) prohibit NCDHHS from commenting on the circumstances of a particular case."

The incident remains under investigation.

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App