A 5-year old kindergartner identified as Tanner Smith, was attacked and mauled to death by two dogs in Texas. The boy who was two days away from his 6th birthday, was attacked by the dangerous pit bulls and was severely bitten numerous times in a friend's house. 

 

The incident took place when Tanner's mother took her son to visit a friend whose father owns the home and dogs.

 

Police said the dogs attacked the boy in their fenced-in yard and that the man was not around when the dogs attacked the boy. Tanner's mother on realizing that his son was alone with the dogs, rushed in only to discover that the dogs had attacked her son. She called the owner of the dog who came and restrained the pit bulls.

 

His grandmother, Melissa Phillips revealed that Tanner was bitten 16 times and one bite went through his an artery in his neck. Tanner, who was born with a hypo-plastic left heart syndrome, a rare defect that leaves the left side of the heart underdeveloped, causing the right side to overwork, had undergone three open heart surgeries before the incident. He was rushed to the hospital in a nearby Beaumont, but lost his life. 

 

According to official report, Tanner's neck was severely mauled. An autopsy into his death will determine the actual cause of death. Police said criminal charges are not expected as the dogs were appropriately confined to their fence-yard when the attack happened. 

 

Student's from Tanner's school said they will still celebrate his birthday on Tuesday with a cake in his honor.