Dog-pack mauling critically injures boy, 1

At least five dogs mauled a 1-year-old boy in Onalaska, Lewis County, Tuesday, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

The child had left his grandmother's house and was walking to his parents' home by himself at about 10:30 a.m. when a neighbor's five dogs attacked him, the Lewis County Sheriff's Office said.

A family member was able to rescue the boy, and he was taken to Mary Bridge Hospital in Tacoma in critical condition.

After the attack, the dogs ran into a nearby wooded area and officials are trying to capture all of them, the sheriff's office said.

Neighbors said that the dogs were well cared for and except for chasing cars, they did not bother anyone.

The dogs — mixes of blue heeler, Australian shepherd and Lab — will be placed in quarantine after they are rounded up, said Chief Criminal Deputy Pat Smith.

Smith said that dogs are allowed to run loose in the rural area as long as they do not create problems.

Deputies are investigating whether the owner of the dogs violated any laws.

Christina Siderius: csiderius@seattletimes.com