Pit bulls kill 4-month-old baby

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A 4-month-old baby in North Las Vegas, Nev., has been fatally mauled by her family's two pit bulls, officials said.

The baby's grandmother, who was babysitting the infant Friday when the attack occurred, was hospitalized with injuries sustained as she tried to protect her granddaughter, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Saturday.

North Las Vegas police Chief Joseph Forti said the dogs were in the backyard of the home prior to the attack and possibly entered the home by bursting through a screen door. The baby was attacked while in a stroller.

"They just went right for the little girl," Forti said.

Officers found the baby lying dead on the floor of a bedroom.

"This is about as severe an attack as I've seen in my 18 years in North Las Vegas," city animal control Officer Dale Smock was quoted as saying.

The dogs, which were found with blood on their fur, were shot and killed by police.