7-month-old girl dies after dog mauling in Martinez

MARTINEZ, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A 7-month-old girl was rushed to a hospital after being mauled by a dog Tuesday in Martinez, according to authorities.

She was later declared dead, according to the Columbia County Coroner’s Office.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said the girl was being watched by her grandmother at a home at 3701 Columbia Drive when a dog in the home became aggressive.

The girl and her grandmother were both hurt, according to authorities, but the girl suffered more extensive injuries.

Both were taken to Augusta University Health, authorities said.

People who live in the neighborhood told News 12 they saw police cars at the house between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. but didn’t witness what happened inside. They did confirm that a large dog lived at the home.

The dog that attacked the girl and her grandmother was an American bulldog-Great Pyrenees mix, according to deputies. Authorities had earlier reported it was a pit bull terrier but later corrected themselves.

Tim Jardine lives just down the street. He’s lived in this neighborhood all his life and even cut the neighbor’s grass. Thinking back to a previous incident where paramedics had to respond, he could tell the dog was fierce.

“My friend and I had to occupy the dog for them to get in there and get the woman to the hospital,” he said.

His sister-in-law lives opposite from him on the same road.

Amanda Jardine said: “It won’t let anyone come near anybody. I guess dogs are supposed to be protective, but that dog can be a little more overprotective, like in a vicious way.”

They hope something like this won’t happen again.

“My heart goes out to their family,” she said.

Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.