Update: GoFundMe created for ‘precious little girl’ killed in dog attack in Visalia
A 4-year-old girl died Wednesday following an attack by her family dog in Visalia.
In a social media post on Thursday evening, the Visalia Police Department said officers responded to a call about the attack around 8 p.m. Wednesday. The child had just finished swimming when she was attacked by the dog — described by police as “the family’s pit bull” — inside her home.
“Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to the hospital, she sadly passed away from her injuries,” the department wrote.
An investigation by detectives with the department’s Violent Crimes unit showed no signs of neglect or criminal wrongdoing, according to the post.
“This heart-wrenching event is a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
It is not clear if the family surrendered the dog and whether it would ultimately be euthanized. In a similar case in Fresno in 2016, two dogs were euthanized after being turned over to the Central California Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Visalia, in Tulare County, is about 45 miles southeast of Fresno.
GoFundMe campaign to benefit family
A fundraising campaign distributed via the website GofundMe identified the girl as Princess Zoey, “our precious little girl who touched so many lives.”
According to the post, the $20,000 fundraising goal will cover costs for a funeral and memorial service and help her parents “alleviate the financial burden they are facing during this incredibly difficult time.”
