Police: 2-year-old dies after being attacked by dogs in Port Richmond

Port Richmond (WTXF) - Philadelphia police say a 2-year-old boy has died after he was attacked by Pit Bulls inside a home on the 3000 block of Agate Street in Port Richmond.

It happened around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"I think it's horrible. It's really bad, really bad."

Neighbor Jason Rash says it was the worst thing he's ever seen. A 2-year-old boy being mauled by a pack of Pit Bulls in his own living room.

"She kept telling me come get the baby--come get the baby. She was covering the baby," he explained.

Police opened fire on the dogs trying to free the child.

"A small child was laying on the living room floor being attacked by about five Pit Bulls," Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

Police rushed to the scene after numerous 911 calls. Rash and his son say they tried desperately to get the dogs off the toddler.

"I took two steps in and I threw something in to to break the dogs up and have them come after me, but they just kept going," Rash explained.

Police got to the front door after hearing screams. They described what they saw as they entered.

"Their main concern was to get the 2-year-old child who was unconscious bleeding from his head, face, body, both arms and legs," Small said.

The child was raced the St. Christopher's Hospital in extremely critical condition. He died shortly after 6 p.m.

"The cops took forever to shoot the dogs to put the dogs down they were like we don't want to shoot the baby in case the baby's alive," Rash said.

Animal Control teams removed two wounded dogs and a third that was killed by police.

"I feel sorry for the mom, " Rash said.

"Unknown why these five dogs attacked this 2-year-old boy," Small.

Police fired seven shots. Investigators are trying to determine if any family members will be charged for endangering the child. The police shooting team and internal affairs are investigating.