EXC: Baby boy and sister, 2, who were BOTH killed by pit bulls (2024)

A five month-old baby boy and his two year-old sister have both been mauled to death by their parents' two pet pit bulls.

Hollace Dean Bennard, five months, and Lilly Jane Bennard, two, were pronounced dead at the scene after being attacked by the dogs in Shelby County, Tennessee, on Wednesday.

The youngsters were their parents' only children.

Their mom, Kirstie Jane Bennard, 30, of Millington, was also injured in the attack while trying to save her son and daughter. Shewastransported toRegional One Health in 'critical condition' on Wednesday, police said.

A family friend told DailyMail.com on Thursday that the respiratory therapist is 'hanging in there,' but declined to speak further.

Bennard's husband of five years, Colby, who manages a Harley-Davidson dealership in Memphis, was unharmed.

Further details of how the tragedy unfolded have yet to emerge. The animals have been taken away by the local animal control department, although it's unclear if they have been destroyed.

Eight years ago, Colby shared a picture of two pit bulls on Facebook and referred to the animals as 'house lions' while chatting with Kirstie.

It is unclear if those are the same dogs behind Wednesday's attack.

DailyMail.com has attempted to reach Colby for comment, with his father Michael declining to talk when contacted by phone.

The attack happened around 3.30pm on Wednesday inside the family's $360,000, five bedroom Sylvan Road home in Millington, Tennessee - near Memphis.

It is unclear what caused the pit bulls to become aggressive.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office confirmed to DailyMail.com on Thursday that the pit bulls are currently in possession of Animal Control.

The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and the Sheriff's Office declined to comment further.

It is unclear if any criminal charges will follow.

Bennard's best friend, Kelsey Gallini, posted on Facebook, asking for 'prayers,' saying 'everyone in her circle could really use that.'

'I love you, I love you, I love you,' she wrote in a separate post.

Gallini also revealed in a comment to WREG Facebook post about the tragedy that she was furious about the news coverage, questioning why 'something so traumatic and unimaginable [had] to be so publicized.'

Friend Lacie Snider replied to the social media post, writing: 'I feel like the phone call I had with Caitlin [Killebrew] wasn't real.'

Killebrew wrote, alongside a photo of the two at her wedding: 'My sweet friend - I love you.'

Another wrote: 'Praying so hard! Shock is an understatement!'

Many others said they were 'heartbroken,' 'dumbfounded,' and sending 'big prayers.'

Pit bulls are known for having one of the strongest bites, alongside Mastiffs and Rottweilers, according to the Canine Journal.

The breed is also on the list of the dogs that bite the most, according to the Journal, alongside Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and co*cker Spaniels.