Sheriff Vows To Hold Owner Responsible After Dogs Mauled & Killed 8-Year-Old Boy Who Pet Them

Residents in a Florida neighborhood say the dogs responsible for a boy’s death were a known issue in the area. On January 13, 8-year-old Michael Millet was riding his bike in Berry’s Ridge in Deland when he reportedly stopped to pet two dogs. Michael’s family watched in horror as the dogs mauled the little boy. They tried to stop the attack, but sadly, it was too late. Michael died from his injuries.

In a series of statements on X, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Officer described one of the dogs as a mixed breed and the other as a pit bull. The dogs reportedly belong to a 31-year-old woman with a lengthy criminal record related to drugs. Police intend to hold the owner accountable, but nothing will bring Michael back.

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The dogs allegedly roamed the neighborhood alone.

Jackie Hart, Michael’s great-aunt, told Fox 35 he stopped to pet the two loose dogs while out on a bike ride. He reportedly stopped to pet the dogs twice, and things changed during the second encounter. His mother apparently saw the dogs maul her son and tried to stop them.

“She went out there and had to kick the dog, and punch the dog … and you know, protect her son … but unfortunately, it… she wasn’t able to,” Hart said.

A witness called 911 and told the dispatcher, “They’ve pinned him down on the ground, and now they’re like biting him, but he’s not moving, and he’s not responding.”

A Neighbor said the dogs are a problem.

Michael’s mother, Tiffani, told Fox 35 that she’s never had an issue with the dogs in the six years her family has lived in the Volusia County neighborhood, but other residents have.

Frank Tuttle told the news outlet he could hear the dogs barking as soon as he pulled into his driveway.

“I didn’t know whether I had to carry a weapon or do whatever to not get attacked,” Tuttle said.

The attack devastated Michael's family.

His father, Michael Millet Jr., shared his heartache in a series of social media posts.

Please if everyone could share this for me. I want to personally thank everyone that has said a kind word, thought anything. It really has meant more than you’ll ever know,” one Facebook post reads. “I genuinely wish I could give everyone a hug and thank them for the love. Now please help us make a change use #JusticeforMichael and contact your local and state government so we can change laws and ensure no one ever has to feel this unthinkable pain. We don’t want our baby boy Michael’s death to be for nothing please help us start this movement. Again thank you.”

Hart created a GoFundMe account for Michael's family.

She set a goal of $50,000 but raised more than $71,000 in just a few days. The great-aunt explained that Michael was one of three children, and she wanted to ease their financial burden during this very difficult time.

She wrote, “Michael succumbed to his injuries after being attacked by 2 dogs in their neighborhood. Our family is devastated with the loss of Michael. He was incredibly smart, funny, caring, loving, and so adventurous. Michael’s contagious laugh and light will be missed tremendously.”

A donor wrote, “There are just no words…..Praying for your Family!”

Another comment reads, “On behalf of our family to yours, there are no words that can be conveyed to take away this deep and unforgiving pain. It could have been any child but it was yours. Your sweet boy is with Jesus now and there’s no more pain. Prayers for you and your children.”

“As a veterinarian raised in DeLand I hope that it brings comfort to you to know that the veterinary community stands behind you and supports your endeavors for justice for and grieves with you for the loss of your son. I am so sorry for your loss,” another person wrote.

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Animal Services captured the dogs.

Per the sheriff’s office, the dogs are in quarantine while the investigation continues. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told Fox 35 that authorities are waiting for a response from the dogs’ owner to see if she will agree to euthanize them or whether a court order will be required.

“We are going to do everything humanly possible to hold the owner of these dogs responsible, Chitwood said. “And we’re going to do everything possible to make sure that these animals are destroyed.”