James Smith, 50, and his 3‑month‑old granddaughter were found dead Wednesday afternoon after what local officials described as a dog mauling at a home in Tullahoma, Tennessee, authorities said.

The Tullahoma Police Department said the attack was reported around 3 p.m. in the 900 block of East Warren Street in Coffee County. Officers and emergency responders arrived after a call reporting a mauling and discovered the two victims at the residence, police said. The office of the District Attorney for the 14th Judicial District later called the scene “especially difficult and brutal.”

Police and animal control personnel reported multiple animals on the property. Authorities said seven animals were present at the site and that pitbulls at the scene were euthanized by responders. Tullahoma Animal Control removed the remaining animals and took them into custody for further handling while investigators processed the scene.

After on‑site work was completed, officials condemned the house because of its condition, a move that underscores the severity of the incident and the physical state of the property following the response. Investigators remained at the scene into the evening, documenting evidence and piecing together the sequence of events that led to the attack.

“This was an especially difficult and brutal scene,” the District Attorney for the 14th District said in a statement. “Please pray for the family of the victims in this difficult time, as well as the first responders, as they cope with the trauma from what they witnessed.” Local police said the department is leading the inquiry with assistance from Tullahoma Animal Control.

Neighbors described a shaken street on Wednesday. “Today has just been everybody driving by just to see the house. I guess they’re needing proof, too, that this really did happen,” said Rebecca Adams, a neighbor who spoke with reporters. Authorities urged residents to avoid the block while work continues.

A GoFundMe page has been started to help the family cover funeral expenses, reflecting a swift local response as officials continue to process the scene and gather evidence. Police declined to release additional identifying information pending notification of next of kin and further investigative steps.

While certain breeds are often discussed in the context of dog attacks, the specific breeds involved in this incident are part of the ongoing investigation. State and local authorities say breed information will be documented as part of the ongoing investigation.

Tennessee law imposes liability on dog owners who fail to keep their animals under reasonable control or if a dog is running at large, and some municipalities maintain breed‑specific ordinances that ban or regulate certain types of dogs. Local officials said any legal questions about ownership, control or liability will be examined as part of the criminal and civil investigative process. How do local laws regulate dog ownership and liability for attacks?

Public officials and animal‑welfare experts say communities can work to reduce dog attacks through enforcement of strong, non–breed‑specific dangerous‑dog and leash laws, prompt action against chronically irresponsible owners, bans on activities such as dog fighting, and public education on responsible ownership and bite‑prevention — particularly for children. What measures can communities implement to prevent dog attacks? City and county leaders did not immediately specify whether any prior complaints had been filed about the animals at the East Warren Street property.

Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The Tullahoma Police Department asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the department as the inquiry proceeds.

Source reporting that identified the victims and noted the ongoing police investigation can be found at WSMV: https://www.wsmv.com/2025/12/04/man-3-month-old-granddaughter-mauled-by-dogs-tennessee/.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.