Zephyrhills Family Pet Attacks Grandson
The Reaves Family of Zephyrhills had raised their dog Bo, a 2-year-old pit bull mix, and had never seen an aggressive side of the pet. He had never showed aggression towards the family's chickens, cats or two other small dogs. So when Bo attacked Joseph Reaves' 4-year old grandson on October 19, the family was shocked.
According to Pasco County Sheriff's Office, the grandson, Dylan, was at the residence with his uncle's girlfriend, Pamela Pelham, and had been playing outside in the yard when Bo got off his chain and came running to Dylan. At first, Bo knocked Dylan down and started playing with him, which was nothing out of the ordinary for the family, who normally used their feet and shoes to play tug-of-war with the pet.
The "playing" soon turned ugly and when Dylan started kicking, Bo started biting. When Pelham finally got the dog off of Dylan, the boy couldn't walk. His left leg was shattered and there were several wounds on his arm.
Dylan was taken to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, where a registered nurse told investigators that the boy would need surgery and likely have a limp for the rest of his life. Dylan is still scared and confused at why his beloved pet attacked, but is said to be doing well, and has a cast on his leg.
The family has relinquished ownership of the dog to Animal Control and Bo is being held in quarantine for 10 days since it was discovered that he was never vaccinated. After that, he will be euthanized. Denise Hilton, an animal services manager for Pasco County Animal Control, claimed that the dog attacked with intent to hurt Dylan and that Bo posed a serious threat to the public.
Although Dylan's mother had the option, she declined to press charges (for improper confinement of a vicious animal, which would have totaled $260) against her brother. The family was issued a citation of $143.00 for failing to vaccinate Bo.
Many dog bite victims are unclear about their rights and issues of liability after an attack. If you have been or find yourself a victim of such an attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney John T. Grove is experienced in handling dog bite claims and can guide you through the trying process if you have been attacked.
