Orange County child attacked, killed by dogs

UPDATE - The breed of the dogs involved in the attack was Pitbull dogs. The actual cause of death for Tanner Smith has not been determined as the autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20. While it remains an open and active case until all results and facts are reviewed, it does not appear there will be any criminal charges. The dogs were in their fenced in domain where the attack occurred.

PREVIOUS - Sunday, Oct. 18, at about 7:00 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call in reference to a five year old male who was severely injured by two dogs at a residence in the 1700 block of Aloha St., Vidor.

Deputies and EMS arrived on scene and began life saving measures on the five year old. The boy was transported to a hospital in Beaumont and was later pronounced deceased after succumbing to his injuries. While on scene, Deputies learned that the mother of the boy was visiting a friend at the residence and believed that her son was with the friend’s father outside. Once she realized the father was not at the residence, she went outside and found her son injured by two dogs that belonged to the homeowner. When the friend’s father was notified of what happened, he quickly returned to the residence and ultimately put both dogs down.

The five year old has been identified as Tanner Smith of Vidor. The investigation is ongoing.