Dogs that killed 8-year-old Florida boy euthanized Thursday, officials say | FOX 35 Orlando

Dogs that killed 8-year-old Florida boy euthanized Thursday, officials say

The two dogs that brutally mauled and killed an 8-year-old boy in a Central Florida neighborhood earlier this month were euthanized on Thursday, according to Volusia County deputies.

‘A senseless loss’

What they're saying:

"The state-mandated 10-business-day period for the owner to appeal or relinquish ownership of the two dogs involved in the fatal attack on an 8-year-old child in Volusia County has expired," Volusia County spokesperson, Clayton Jackson, said in a statement to FOX 35 News. "With no appeal filed or ownership relinquished, Volusia County Animal Services will proceed with the euthanasia of the dogs today."

"Volusia County joins the community in mourning the tragic loss of 8-year-old Michael Millett, whose passing has brought immense heartbreak and grief over the past few weeks," Volusia County officials said in a press release Thursday. "No family should ever have to endure such a senseless loss, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and all who knew and cared for him."

"Protecting residents remains a top priority, and this incident reinforces the importance of reporting potential threats to the appropriate authorities," officials stated in the press release. "The county remains fully committed to supporting the Volusia Sheriff's Office's ongoing investigation."

Volusia County officials said two loose dogs are responsible for mauling an 8-year-old boy to death in a neighborhood near DeLand, Florida. 

What happened to Michael Millett?

The backstory:

On Jan. 13, Michael Millett was riding bikes with his friends in a neighborhood near Arabesque Drive and Airport Road, when they stopped at the mailboxes near the front entrance of the subdivision to pet the two loose dogs.

One of the dogs was believed to be a pitbull and the other a mixed breed.

Photo of Michael Millett (Credit: Family handout)

It was at that moment Michael was brutally attacked by the dogs, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood previously said during a news conference. The sheriff noted there was no indication the dogs were going to attack.

Authorities said Michael's mother jumped on top of her son to shield him from the attack, but he ultimately died of his injuries. He sustained 12 bite wounds and suffered a broken neck and leg, authorities said. 

MORE: Florida boy killed by dogs while petting them, owner to be charged, sheriff says: 'He never had a chance'

Michael's mother told FOX 35 News that the image of seeing her son being mauled would never leave her mind.

Who owns the dogs?

What we know:

Authorities said the owner of the dogs is a 31-year-old woman. She has an extensive criminal history, primarily related to drugs, according to the sheriff. FOX 35 News is choosing not to identify the woman, as she has not been charged.

RELATED: Mother of boy killed by dogs says she'll never forget the image of her son being mauled

Chitwood emphasized the woman would be held accountable.

"We are going to do everything humanly possible to hold the owner of these dogs responsible," he said. "And we're going to do everything possible to make sure that these animals are destroyed."

Did the dogs have a history of violence?

Local perspective:

Law enforcement officers who went door-to-door after the deadly attack heard "horrific stories" from neighbors about how the dogs are frequently running loose and have destroyed chickens.

Officials also discovered the dogs may have been involved in a previous incident in another county. Chitwood stated the sheriff’s office is following up on that report.

Officials said the dogs were never reported to animal services. 

What happens now?

What's next:

Volusia County officials said they have engaged with experts from Harvard University to further research canine hostility. 

The collaboration involves sending forensic evidence to Harvard's Canine Brain Research Group to advance the study of aggressive behaviors in canines, officials stated, benefiting animal behavioral research and public safety locally and beyond.

What you can do:

Volusia County Animal Services said it currently enforces ordinances and provides services in unincorporated areas, as well as the municipalities of Oak Hill and Pierson.

People can report aggressive animal behavior or other concerns at 386-248-1790 or animalcontrol@volusia.org

Residents in incorporated cities should contact their municipality's respective animal control division to report domestic animals behaving aggressively and other animal-related concerns. If it is an immediate emergency and someone is in danger from an animal, always call 911.

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The Source: This story was written based on information gathered in previous reporting, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and Volusia County officials. 

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