VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The state attorney for Brevard and Seminole counties announced formal charges in a dog attack that killed an 8-year-old boy in January.
Michael Millett was mauled to death by two dogs while riding his bike in a neighborhood near DeLand. The two dogs got loose from a nearby home.
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The dogs were later euthanized. The owner of one of the dogs is now charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
State Attorney William Scheiner said that was the only charge the state could file based on current Florida law.
“It’s a charge that involves a dog that has not been previously declared dangerous, according to Florida statutes,” said Scheiner.
“Unfortunately my hands are tied in this scenario and that’s the only charge that can be filed.”
The case was voluntary given to the State Attorney for Brevard and Seminole counties because State Attorney R.J. Larizza had a conflict of interest.
“In order to prove negligent homicide, we’d have to prove the owner of the dog knew that their dogs being out would cause death to a human being,” Scheiner said.
A GoFundMe was created to help Michael’s family to help with funeral and medical expenses. It can be found here.