ALABASTER, Ala. — A six-month-old girl died after being attacked by a dog at her great-grandparent’s home on March 14, underscoring the dangers posed by family pets. Ember Southard was fatally injured when she fell to the floor and was mauled by one of two dogs in the house, a pit bull mix. Despite efforts to save her at Children’s of Alabama hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities have quarantined both dogs as investigations continue. The family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover funeral expenses and raise awareness about child safety around animals.
Dog attacks are not uncommon, especially among children. Statistics show that 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually, with children accounting for over half of these incidents. Fatalities disproportionately affect young children; in 2022, those aged 1 to 4 made up nearly 30% of dog attack deaths. Most bites involve familiar dogs, with nearly 90% of cases linked to pets or animals known to the victim.
Experts emphasize that even friendly-seeming dogs can pose risks, especially to infants and toddlers who are less capable of recognizing warning signs from animals. Families are urged to supervise interactions between children and pets closely and educate themselves on canine behavior.
Ember’s death serves as a tragic reminder that vigilance is essential when young children are near dogs, regardless of breed or temperament.