Keven and his mother, Flora Vicente, were gracious as they received the gifts, which included a soccer ball, Lincoln logs and Batman toys from Arpaio on behalf of the Sheriff's Youth Assistance Program.
"This is a sad situation," Arpaio said. "We have victims on both sides."
Kevin Vicente was attacked Feb. 20 while he was playing with other children in a yard where his baby-sitter had taken him, according to a court report on the attack. Kevin walked within the 18-foot radius of the dog's chain and the animal caught Kevin from behind, pulling him to the ground and attacking his face, according to the report.
Supporters of the dog from around the country contributed to the animal's legal defense and signed petitions begging a judge to let Mickey live after the attack.
Mickey's life was spared by a judge who ordered the dog to be defanged, neutered and kept in an animal rehabilitation center for the rest of his life.
Critics have since attacked Arpaio for inserting himself into the story and housing the animal within his no-kill animal shelter. That criticism was amplified when Arpaio set up a web camera that is on display on the sheriff's website which shows Mickey's life inside the cell.
Flora had to quit her job to take care of Kevin and the family has struggled to keep up with medical bills and living expenses, according to supporters.
Donors were able to raise more than $20,000 through an online funding effort this month, including an anonymous $3,000 contribution.
Though the scars from the attack are still visible, Kevin reacted like any 4-year-old boy when he arrived in Arpaio's office on Friday, jumping up and down in anticipation of the gifts.
Arpaio and Kevin saluted each other before the presents were handed out.
"I want to make a good holiday for Kevin," Arpaio said.
(azcentral.com - Dec 19, 2014)
Earlier:
- Boy disfigured and in critical condition while nutbags clamor to protest, raise money and try to save pit bull's life
- Mauling of Phoenix boy keys debate over fate of pit bull
- Sheriff Arpaio says "Mickey the pit bull an 'exemplary inmate'"
- Donors give $21,000 to Phoenix boy attacked by Mickey
- Webcam lets you observe vicious pit bull's life behind bars
- Mom of boy mauled by pit bull can't understand why dog has webcam
- Motorcycle group brightens Christmas for boy who was mauled by pit bull
Related:
No comments:
Post a Comment