THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville child died Monday after being attacked by family pets, local officials said.

Lt. Karen Murray, commander of the Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, said the victim was a five-year-old girl.

“She was bitten numerous times,” Murray said. “The dogs were family pets, three pit bulls.”

Thomas County coroner Sam Brown said the child was pronounced dead at 4:48 p.m. at the emergency room of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital.

He is requesting an autopsy at the GBI crime lab in Decatur.

Murray said EMS received a call at approximately 4:30 p.m. in reference to a dog bite in the 100 block of Executive Drive.

Upon arrival, personnel realized it was more than that and contacted the Thomasville Police Department.

“We don’t know what happened and we’re still investigating it,” Murray said. “The family was at home and the girl had been playing out back. We don’t know what caused the attack.”

The dogs were picked up by Animal Control and will be held at the shelter, to be quarantined, during the investigation, officials said.

No more information was known at press time.

Murray said the incident is very sad.

“No one wants to hear about a child being killed,” she said. “It’s a sad event for everyone involved — the family, police officers and the medical personnel.”