8-year-old boy attacked and killed by a pair of dogs in Volusia County, sheriff says

An 8-year-old boy was attacked and killed by a pair of dogs north of DeLand Monday, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

The attack was reported just before 5 p.m. in the area of Arabesque Drive and Airport Road, according to the post on X, formerly Twitter.

Witnesses called 911 and started CPR on the boy, but he did not survive.

One dog was described as a pit bull and the other a mixed breed, the post stated.

“I don’t know what anyone can say to ease the immense pain this family is feeling tonight,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated in the post. “This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents. I can only ask our community to say a prayer of strength for this family and keep them in your hearts as they face their worst nightmare.”

Deputies chased the dogs down the road and Volusia County Animal Control responded and captured both animals. The dogs were confiscated and are being quarantined by Animal Services, the post stated.

The Sheriff’s Office stated a joint investigation is underway into the attack and additional details were not available for release.

Chitwood plans to provide an “initial briefing” Tuesday following the preliminary investigation.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 2 dogs fatally attack 8-year-old boy north of DeLand