Boy, 4, killed by dogs : officials say

A four year old boy was mauled to death by his uncle’s two pit bull dogs.
Logan Shephard died after being savaged by the dogs in the front garden.
Two police officers conducting a traffic stop 100 yards away heard screams for help and ran to the home in Riverview, Florida.

“It hits you right in the heart because if anything happened to my kids I don’t know what I would do,” said Crystal Hunley.

An empty dog bowl and stroller sits eerily outside the Riverview home off Rhodine Drive.

Deputies said four year old Logan Shepeard was killed Saturday night around 10:30, by his uncle’s two pit bulls.

“I couldn’t even imagine what those parents are feeling right now,” said Huntley.

Logan was at the home with his mother, visiting his aunt and uncle.

The family said they lost track of Logan after leaving him in the living room.

Deputies said he was in the living room eating ice cream and his family was in a different room.

They heard screams coming from the front yard, then found the family’ two dogs lying over the boy.

“I have two kids of my own. I know I wouldn’t even be able to stand if that was mine,” said Huntley.

Two deputies were nearby and ran when they heard the screams.

Logan’s uncle put the dogs up, but Logan was already dead.

“I feel so sorry for the family I can’t believe that,” said Huntley.

Deputies haven’t said how the pit bulls got out.

Neighbors would like to know.

“It bothers me especially because I have 10 grandchildren 6 kids. I don’t want to see any kid go like that,” said Dennis Almeda.

The sheriff’s office said they have never responded to an animal call at the house.

For the neighborhood the shock will not wear off.

“It is a horrible thing grieving process that you will never get over,’ said Almeda.

Hillsborough Animal Services and the Sheriff’s office continue investigating.

The two dogs were euthanized Sunday afternoon.

No charges have been filed.

Agencies/Canadajournal