VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Eyewitness News continues to follow all developments in a dog attack that killed an 8-year-old boy in Volusia County. Today, we asked animal services why the dogs weren’t immediately euthanized.
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Volusia County Animal Services Director Angela Miedema explained the dogs are now considered evidence and they’re part of the investigation into the child’s death.
Additionally, state statute forces the county to wait 10 days before acting to allow the owner to appeal.
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If she doesn’t communicate with the county by the end of the 10 days, the dogs will automatically be euthanized.
“So now we wait those 10 days. I am just waiting for that. If they want to call earlier and offer relinquishment right now, I will go over and make sure those animals are euthanized,” said Miedema.
Deputies said 8-year-old Michael Millett was riding his bike with his friend when he stopped to pet one of the dogs. It’s not clear what caused them to begin attacking.
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The dog’s owner’s name is Amanda Franco and deputies said while she’s not facing any charges in this case, she has a lengthy criminal history.
The sheriff’s office and animal services are calling on neighbors to help provide evidence in the case.
Before this incident, neither agency had any record of complaints against the dogs or the owner.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood said he wants to charge Franco with negligent homicide but to do so, he must be able to demonstrate a pattern to the State Attorney’s office. Without proof, the tragedy is considered an accident.
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