8-Year-Old Girl Dead, Mauled by Dog

HOOKSTOWN, Pa. (AP) - January 20, 2009 -- Authorities in western Pennsylvania say an 8-year-old girl died after being mauled by a dog at a home in Hanover Township.

State police say Brianna Nicole Shanor was outside shortly before 7 p.m. Monday but said she was cold and was going back to the house. Trooper Rocco DeMaiolo says she apparently went near the mixed-breed dog chained outside an old camping trailer. She was found inside the trailer.

Beaver County Coroner Teri Tatalovich-Rossi says the girl was bitten in different places on her body including her neck. She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The dog has been quarantined by an officer from Lawrence County.

DeMaiolo says it appears the girl's death was an accident, but he and the coroner's office will consult with the county's district attorney.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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