Published: July 11, 2007 01:47 pm            

LOCKPORT: Dog attack probe continues

The investigation continues into Sunday’s bizarre dog attack involving a pit bull and a 2-year-old boy.

Lockport Police Detective Capt. Larry Eggert said they are interviewing more witnesses in the case and meeting with dog behavioral experts to try and figure out what motivated the dog to sexually assault a young boy.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. in a Washburn Street apartment. The dog, a 2-year-old pit bull named Bear, reportedly sodomized the boy during the attack.

Eggert said the boy’s mother was in another room when the incident occurred.

“She left the baby alone for a short period of time,” he said. “She heard a scream, she ran in the room and saw the dog and the boy.”

The woman began yelling at the dog, which spooked it, causing it to run outside, still attached to the boy, Eggert said.

The dog dragged the boy out onto the porch, where neighbors saw what was happening, he said.

“They heard the mother screaming,” Eggert said. “Together they were able to disentangle the dog and the boy.”

The toddler was taken to Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, where he remains after having surgery Sunday night. Eggert said he may need further reconstructive surgery in the future.

Niagara County SPCA Executive Director Al Chille said the dog was still being held at the facility on Tuesday and will remain there pending the police investigation.

The pit bull had been with the family for two years and had no history of aggression, Eggert said.

A DNA sample was taken from the dog to compare with DNA taken from the boy to ensure the attack actually did take place, he said.

Eggert said investigators plan to sit down with the Niagara County District Attorney’s office to determine if any charges will be filed.

“It’s not a pleasant case to have to work with,” Eggert said. “It’s almost unbelievable.”

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.

        

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