An 8-year-old boy in Florida tragically lost his life after being attacked by two dogs he attempted to pet during a bike ride.
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Michael Millett died on Monday, January 13, in an attack that occurred just north of DeLand, Florida, according to a statement from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s deputies and Volusia County Animal Services officers captured the dogs, which were then placed in quarantine, the statement added.
On Monday afternoon, Michael was out biking with a friend when they encountered two dogs near the entrance of their subdivision. Michael approached to pet them, Sheriff Mike Chitwood shared during a press conference on Tuesday.
“At that point, Michael is maliciously mauled, brutally mauled, and killed at the scene,” Sheriff Chitwood explained.
One of the dogs, a pit bull, weighs 70 pounds.
At the press conference, a recording of a 911 call was played featuring a woman desperately asking for help. Her details paint a grim scene.
“There’s a little boy being attacked by two dogs,” the woman pleads.
“And they’re literally tugging on him. Please hurry,” she continues.
“He was screaming for help and now they’ve pinned him down to the ground and now they’re like, biting him but he’s not moving and he’s not responding,” she added.
The Dogs Involved in the Attack Allegedly Have a History of Causing Trouble, Per Authorities
At some point during the attack, Michael’s mother rushed to his aid, desperately pleading for help, according to Sheriff Chitwood. The dogs did not attack her but remained nearby as she screamed for assistance.
Authorities discovered during their investigation that the dogs allegedly have a history of causing trouble in the community. According to Chitwood, they were known for roaming freely and had previously killed chickens.
“Clearly, this didn’t just happen in a vacuum, these dogs have been terrorizing the neighborhood for a while,” Chitwood claimed.
It’s not yet clear whether the dog’s owner will face charges.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Michael’s family with funeral, medical, and other expenses.
“He was incredibly smart, funny, caring, loving, and so adventurous. Michael’s contagious laugh and light will be missed tremendously,” the fundraiser read in part.
Michael’s father, Michael Millett Jr., also mourned the loss of his son on social media.
“My baby boy, my meatball, my meathead, my buddy,” he wrote on Facebook. “I can’t put the words together right now. I need my buddy back!!!!!”