Family dog attacks, kills 4-year-old girl, mother in Sherman Township

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 4-year-old girl was killed and her mother was injured late Sunday afternoon when they were attacked by their new family dog in St. Joseph County.

Police said the attack happened at the family's home in the 63000 block of W. Fish Lake Road in Sherman Township, north of Sturgis.

Friends of the family told police Kiyana McNeal and her mother were outside with the dog, which is believed to be a Doberman mix.

The dog was reportedly a new addition to the family after their previous family dog died.

Police and emergency medical staff arrived at the scene and said Kiyana succumbed to her injuries.

The mother was hurt while trying to protect her daughter. She was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The dog was removed from the home by animal control.

You can visit the support page for Kiyana here.