Dog Attack Kills 4-Year-Old Girl in Cave Junction

Cave Junction, Oregon- A 4-year-old girl was killed Saturday after being attacked by a dog at a home in Cave Junction, according to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the attack was reported at 1:31 p.m. from a residence on the 1800 block of Laurel Road. The caller told dispatchers that a dog had attacked the child. Deputies were immediately sent to the scene along with medical crews from American Medical Response and the Illinois Valley Fire Department.

Despite attempts at lifesaving measures by first responders, the girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said her name will not be released.

Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, began a death investigation following the incident. The dog involved, described as a Cane Corso, Rottweiler and Pit Bull mix, was secured by Josephine County Animal Control personnel. The Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under investigation and no further details are currently available.

Dog attacks resulting in death are rare but have led to complex investigations in Oregon and across the country. In cases such as this, authorities typically review the circumstances of the attack, the dog’s history, and whether criminal charges are warranted. Animal control agencies often assess the animal for quarantine or euthanasia decisions while law enforcement completes its inquiry.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office released the information Monday, two days after the incident, noting that updates would be provided only when available.