A Texas toddler has died after multiple dogs reportedly mauled him at his babysitter's house. Shiraz Asirvadam, 1, was among four children in the care of a babysitter in Duncanville on April 15. Three German Shepherd mixes reportedly attacked the child, and their owner tried to stop them but was not successful. By the time paramedics arrived, Shiraz was seriously hurt and had to be taken to Dallas, where he later died from his injuries.
Duncanville Animal Control took possession of the dogs and is waiting for the owner to legally surrender them, CBS News reported. If she doesn't comply, police will petition the court to declare them a danger.
More from CafeMom: Louisiana Dog Owner Facing Charges After 7-Year-Old Girl Was Mauled to Death by Pit Bull
The dogs were reportedly outside prior to the attack.
The unidentified homeowner was caring for Shiraz and three other children at the time of the attack, according to CBS News. The dogs, all weighing between 80 and 100 pounds, had been outside but somehow made their way into the home and attacked Shiraz. It is unclear what prompted the attack, but the other three children, reportedly the homeowner's, were not injured. The homeowner reportedly tried to pull the dogs off the child but was injured during the attempt.
Duncanville police officers arrived a short time later.
Per a news release from police, emergency responders arrived at the house about 10:40 a.m. After assessing the situation, it was apparently clear that the child's life was in danger.
"Duncanville police officers and paramedics arrived on scene and immediately began performing life-saving measures on the unconscious child," the release reads. "Due to the severity of the injuries, Duncanville police officers provided an emergency escort while the child was being transported to the Children's Medical Center in Dallas by Duncanville Medics. Unfortunately, the child was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital."
Police addressed the media following the attack.
Chief Matthew Stogner spoke in a news conference about the tragic death. He declined to give details about the homeowner but confirmed the child died at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
"Really don't want to get into that at this point since it's under investigation," Stogner said. "So, I really can't answer that at this point … I apologize."
The homeowner was apparently a regular babysitter.
A neighbor told WFAA the woman often babysat children in her home.
"She's been taking care of kids down there forever," neighbor David Trout told the news outlet. "She means well, she's a sweetheart, she's taken care of kids down there without any kind of problem."
Trout remarked about the child's death and said, "I don't wish this on anybody."
More from CafeMom: 7-Month-Old Baby Left With Stranger & Mauled by Pit Bulls Is Now Fighting for His Life
The heartbreaking incident is under investigation.
According to a police media release, it is possible the homeowner could face criminal charges related to Shiraz's death.
"Obviously we're going to work with the Dallas County DA's office and the family of the deceased and figure out our best course of action," Stogner said. "Our hearts go out to the family. There's no question this is a tragedy."
