Dog fatally attacks Md. man as he took down Christmas tree

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — An 87-year-old Frederick man was mauled to death by his dog while taking down his Christmas tree.

The Frederick County Sheriff's Office says Eugene Smith was lying on the floor taking the tree down Wednesday when the pit bull attacked him. Responding officers subdued the dog and rushed Smith to a hospital, where he died.

Police say the dog was a stray that had lived in Smith's home with him, his son and his son's fiancee since May. The dog was euthanized.

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