VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — More information was released in the gruesome dog attack Monday that resulted in the death of an 8-year-old boy near Deland. The Volusia County sheriff also said what he wants to do with the animals and the dogs' owner.
In a chilling 911 call released by the sheriff’s office, the noticeably horrified caller described what she was seeing as the child, Michael Millett, was being mauled:
“There’s a little boy being attacked by two dogs,” she said in a distressed voice. “They’re literally tugging on him. Please hurry. He’s not moving,” she said through tears.
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The sheriff’s office said witnesses attempted CPR on Michael and deputies and animal control were able to chase the dogs down and put them in quarantine. The animals were described as a pit bull and a mixed breed dog.
“We are going to do everything humanly possible to hold the owner of these dogs responsible, and we are going to do everything humanly possible to make sure these animals are destroyed,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in a news conference Tuesday.
Angela Miedema, director of Volusia County Animal Services, said the dogs are now under animal control’s custody, but before any action can be taken, the owner has to agree to sigh them over. If that doesn’t occur, they’ll have to go to court.
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Deputies said they dog owner’s name is Amanda Franco. At this point, she is not facing any charges, but she has a lengthy criminal history, deputies said.
Neighbors told deputies several stories about the dogs being aggressive and wandering through the neighborhood. However, animal control says it has never received or responded to any calls relating to the dogs.
The victim’s family has set up a GoFundMe HERE.
Media briefing 1/14/25: Dog attackSheriff Chitwood and Volusia County Animal Services Director Angela Miedema provided this media briefing today (Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025) on yesterday's DeLand-area dog attack that tragically took the life of 8-year-old Michael Millett. This briefing does not contain any graphic footage, but it begins with a portion of 911 audio that is heartbreaking to hear. If you have information on prior encounters or sightings of these dogs roaming free, contact VSO at: 386-943-7866
Posted by Volusia Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, January 14, 2025
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