An 18-month-old girl died after being mauled by a dog at a Newark, New Jersey, home on Tuesday evening, according to local police. The child, who was in the care of a teenage babysitter, wandered away from supervision and encountered one of the family’s four dogs, a pit bull.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office reported that the toddler was rushed to University Hospital with severe injuries. Despite emergency medical attention, she was pronounced dead around 7 p.m.

The four dogs involved have been removed from the residence and are now under quarantine with Newark Animal Control. Authorities are investigating whether the pit bull was solely responsible for the attack or if other dogs in the home were involved.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we will determine the official cause and manner of death following the autopsy,” said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly.

The family, deeply affected by the incident, has requested privacy during this difficult time. Neighbors expressed their shock and concern, noting the heavy police presence at the scene.

Pit bulls have been linked to a significant number of dog bites and fatal attacks in the United States. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, pit bulls are responsible for more dog bites than any other breed.