2 children attacked by dog in Lumberton; 7-year-old killed

LUMBERTON, NC (WMBF) – Two children, ages 7 and 8, were attacked by a pit bull on Odum Road in Lumberton Sunday morning; the 7-year-old child was transported to a nearby hospital and later died, according to a news release from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.

The 7-year-old was identified by authorities as Talen Nathan West. An autopsy will be conducted Monday or Tuesday in Lumberton, said Robeson County Sheriff Kenneth Sealey.

Deputies, EMS and Animal Control responded to the residence after a 911 call was placed at about 11:21 a.m., the release states. West was found unresponsive. Both children were taken to a nearby hospital, where West died.

"He was cut through his eye, his ear was cut in half, the deadly bite was, he broke his neck," said father Steve West, as he described finding his son Sunday morning.

The pit bull that attacked the two children was a neighbor's dog, and was found dead at the scene. It was sent to a veterinarian to evaluate the cause of death.

Father Steve West says he doesn't know what provoked the attack, but he's since learned the pit bull had puppies nearby.

He says Talen was a quiet but adventurous kid, His parents and five siblings spent Monday remembering their favorite moments and quirks of his.

"He was a big bottle of joy, I don't know any other ways to put it," said west. "A very outgoing, loving boy."

West had severe puncture wounds about the body, and the 8-year-old was bitten in the lower part of the body, the release states. The 8-year-old was treated at the hospital and released.

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office is doing an investigation, along with the medical examiner, to determine West's exact cause of death, and to determine whether any charges will be filed.

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