By Catalina Trivino

Story Created: Feb 27, 2014 at 7:17 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 1, 2014 at 6:49 PM CDT

From Tallassee — we now know the name of the little girl killed in a dog attack. 4-year-old, Summer Sears, was killed while playing in her grandfather’s unfenced backyard.

After Summer’s grandfather had not heard from her for about 30 minutes, he saw a white dog dragging her. We spoke with friends of the family who say they’re totally distraught that this has happened…

Tears run down Janet Conn’s face as she looks at the scene where 4-year-old Summer was attacked by at least one dog, maybe two. Police say the dogs belong to a neighbor.

“This is where it happened in the trailer that I rented,” pointed out Conn. The trailer is located on Lower Tuskegee Road, just outside of downtown Tallassee. “And that’s where the grandfather that rented me the trailer last summer, that’s where he was living and taking care of his grand-daughter. It was right here in the grey and white trailer. And the field behind it is where they say the little girl got drug… and the grandfather tried to get her.”

Conn describes Summer as an “angel” after getting to know her the last several months. She calls the scene as horrific — so does Police Chief, Jimmy Rodgers.

“The child had sustained many bite marks and it was obviously not a normal attack. The was I described it earlier is what you’d envision when somebody gets attacked by a wild bear,” Said Rodgers.

He says animal control has taken two dogs. While one dog was seen dragging Summer, police still don’t know if the other dog was involved.

“One is a very large shepherd mix dog, probably weighing about 75 lbs., and then we also got a large black lab mix that probably weighs about 75 lbs.,as well, that are known to frequent this area,” Said Rodgers.

Conn says she’s seen the white dog, the same one police say dragged the child, roaming the neighborhood.

*”The dog just… it wasn’t right. It was like he watching prey. Like a lion. Fixing to pounce,” Said Conn.

She along with other neighbors say they’re staying indoors for safety until they know if the dogs in custody are the ones who killed Summer.

The police chief says a neighbor owns the dogs that were taken in. He says the owner could be charged pending the investigation.

Summer’s body has been sent to forensic sciences. Investigators hope to have results soon on whether the dogs they have, are the ones that killed her.

*******************************

– Tallassee Child Killed In Dog Attack Name Identified

– Summer Sears 4-years old | Tallassee, AL

German Shepherd

*Because they are so often used for police work, some lines of GSDs have developed behavior that makes them unsuitable as household pets. Police lines often suffer an ADHD-like excitability and lack of impulse control. Some have developed what looks like ‘impulsive aggression’ – sudden, unprovoked, disproportionately savage attacks on another dog or on a human. If you are considering a German Shepherd Dog as a household companion, it is important to be sure you choose a dog from a working guide dog line or a companion dog line, and avoid breeders who supply police trainers and/or shutzhund clubs. This is particularly important if you expect the dog to interact safely with children and with other animals.

In North America, from 1982-2013, German Shepherds have been responsible for 102 attacks on humans, resulting in 53 maimings and 15 fatalities. German Shepherd mixes have been responsible for 59 attacks, resulting in 35 maimings and 10 fatalities.

POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG BREEDS

This is a list of dog breeds that have a history of being potentially dangerous to people, especially children. Daxton’s Friends for Canine Education and Awareness understands that any dog has the ability to bite or inflict serious harm to humans. This list consists of several dog breeds that have a higher than average number of recorded human fatalities. Please use extreme caution if you choose to bring one of these breeds into your home. Rental communities and homeowners insurance may restrict many of the dog breeds on this list due to the likelihood of a serious incident.

Pit Bulls, Mastiff, and Rottweiler lead in fatalities and are listed first. The rest of the breeds are listed in alphabetical order:

Pit Bull Terrier Family