GRIFFIN, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
A 5-year-old girl is being treated for severe facial trauma after being attacked by her family's pit bull at their home in Spalding County.
It happened Wednesday afternoon on Ruth Street in Griffin. Neighbors told CBS Atlanta News that the attack happened when the girl was trying to break up a fight among three dogs. The neighbors ran toward the home when they heard the child yelling for help.
When they arrived, they saw that the girl was covered in blood.
"All three of the dogs were on her," said neighbor Nicholas White. "I had a pipe in my hand. I ran around and started kicking the fence to get their attention."
Griffin police have identified the girl as Lilly Goodson, 5.
White said Lilly's grandmother jumped on top of her granddaughter to try to shield her from the most viscous dog, but it bit the grandmother, too, they said.
"I got a piece of wood and tried to hit him with the wood, but he wouldn't stop," said neighbor Dwayne Warner.
According to Griffin police, when the first officer arrived, the dog was latched onto Lilly's face and wouldn't let go.
Cpl. Stan Phillips attempted to pull the dog off Lilly, but he was unsuccessful, police said. Phillips was forced to shoot and kill the dog to prevent further injuries.
Lilly was taken by helicopter to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston for treatment. Griffin police said Lily is in critical condition in the pediatric critical care unit.
The child's grandmother, Kathy Goodson, 53, was treated by paramedics at the scene for less serious bite wounds.
The dog's body was taken to the Spalding County Animal shelter where employees will make arrangements for testing of the animal's remains to check for rabies.
Neighbors said the pit bull weighed approximately 70 pounds. They had never heard of any problems with the pets.
The two other dogs involved in the attack also were taken to the Spalding County Animal Shelter. Neighbors said one was a pit bull and other was a boxer.
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Griffin home where pit bull attacked girl
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