Missouri: Pit Bull kills 13-month-old Missouri girl. Her babysitter is charged with manslaughter

MISSOURI -- A southeast Missouri woman faces manslaughter charges after a dog she was keeping killed the 13-month-old girl she was baby-sitting.

The Cape Girardeau County, Mo., prosecutor filed a second-degree involuntary manslaughter charge against Erica N. Jordan “for acting with criminal negligence that resulted in the death" of the girl, Loxli Chavez, said a police department statement.

Jordan was arrested last week and posted bond, court records show. Loxli was attacked March 9 at Jordan’s home in Cape Girardeau and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

KFVS 12 reported that an autopsy showed she died from two puncture wounds to the skull.

The Southeast Missourian reported the dog, named Smokey, was part Pit Bull, Labrador and Malamute.

Jordan told police that she was keeping the dog at her home for her brother and that the dog was “not good with kids," the newspaper reported.

The woman said the dog had bitten her son "about a year ago", but claimed she thought the dog had calmed down after being neutered.

Loxli's mother, Tia Bailey, said she wasn't informed of the attack on Jordan’s son, or of the dog's behavior around children, the newspaper reported. Jordan had started baby-sitting the girl and her 5-year-old sister earlier in the week of the attack.

In court records, the babysitter described hearing “screaming and crying” and saw “blood everywhere” when the dog mauled the girl, the newspaper reported. She said she pulled the dog off the child and called 911.

The dog was taken to a shelter and is expected to be euthanized, per protocol, police said.

Following Loxli's death, the community raised more than $4,800 through GoFundMe to help the family.

"Loxli was full of life, she was happy, strong and was always full of joy," said a statement on the fundraising website. "She is also described as having a beautiful attitude. She would wrinkle up her nose and snort. Just a couple of weeks ago she started taking her first steps. Today, Loxli's life was cut too short by a tragic accident. ... It was all (too) unexpected."

Baby Loxli Willow Chavez Memorial
Created March 9, 2018
Jeremy Verhines
on behalf of Michelle Seabaugh
  Medical
  SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA

On March 9, 2018, Loxli Willow Chavez went to be with the Lord. Loxli was born on February 4, 2017. Loxli was born premature, weighed 3lbs, 3 oz. She was a warrior and made it out of the NICU and went home with her parents. Loxli was full of life, she was happy, strong and was always full of joy. She is also described as having a beautiful attitude. She would wrinkle up her nose and snort. Just a couple of weeks ago she started taking her first steps.

Today, Loxli's life was cut too short by a tragic accident. The family is devastated and in shock right now if you can imagine. It was all to unexpected.

The funds that are raised will help the family with support through this tragedy. As you can expect, returning back to normal life and routine is going to take some time. The family has limited income to live on and any support you offer will go farther than you can ever imagine.

I set the goal high because that just a fraction of the real picture of what they will need to be able to take care of the accommodations they are responsible for. In addition, they are going to need support in their healing, grieving the loss of their child, and being able to take the time they need to recover and start over.

The father and mother have been through many rough trials. Life has thrown them many curve balls and they continue to do their best to make ends meet. They are going to need our support through this time and financial gifts will ease the stress and concerns they already have.

(Ledger Enquirer - April 12, 2018)

Earlier:

• Missouri: Babysitter Erica Jordan, 33, knew dog in deadly mauling was aggressive with children, say court documents

Missouri: Babysitter Erica Jordan, 33, knew dog in deadly mauling was aggressive with children, say court documents

MISSOURI -- A 33-year-old Cape Girardeau woman has been charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter after her brother’s Pit Bull / Labrador / Malamute mix fatally attacked a 13-month-old girl she was babysitting last month.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Limbaugh announced the charge Friday against Erica N. Jordan of 46 N. Hanover St. The charge alleges “criminal negligence.”

Jordan was arrested and posted a $5,000 surety bond. As a condition of her release on bond, Judge Benjamin Lewis barred Jordan from caring for any children in her home other than her biological children, Limbaugh said in a news release.

“These charges come after a careful review of the evidence, an opportunity to speak with the victim’s family and follow-up investigations with witnesses,” the release stated.

The girl, Loxli Chavez, was taken to a hospital where she later died from “severe injuries,” according to a probable-cause statement.

The attack occurred March 9 at Jordan’s home.

In an interview with police, Jordan said the dog, named Smokey, weighed between 30 and 40 pounds. She said she was keeping the dog temporarily for her brother, according to the probable-cause statement from police Sgt. Darren Estes.

Jordan said she began babysitting Loxli and Loxli’s 5-year-old sister, Juniper, on March 5, Estes wrote. Jordan said Loxli’s parents knew about the dog, according to the statement.

Estes wrote “Jordan stated she frequently lets the dog loose, but sometimes placed the dog into her son’s room because the dog is ‘not good with kids.’”

She recalled the dog had “attacked” her son, biting him in the head about a year ago.

Jordan said the dog had since been neutered and “she thought the dog had ‘calmed down,’” Estes wrote.

Jordan said Smokey was drinking water from a dog bowl within a few feet of Loxli just before the attack. She said she suddenly “heard screaming and crying” and saw “blood everywhere, ”according to the probable-cause statement.

She said in the statement she tried to pull the dog away, but “he was so aggressive” and “just kept going for the baby.”

Jordan said she finally pulled Smokey off the girl and secured him in a closed bedroom. She then called 911.

Tia Bailey, the victim’s mother, told police it was never disclosed to her before the attack Smokey previously attacked Jordan’s child. Bailey said Jordan had reassured her the dog would not pose a risk to her children, according to the statement.

If convicted, Jordan faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison, the prosecutor said.

Police said after the attack the dog was impounded and would be euthanized.

(Southeast Missourian - April 7, 2018)

(March 2018) Florida: Boy, 13, who'd played with his friend's Pit Bull on previous occasions, is suddenly mauled by it

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA -- A 13-year-old boy is recuperating at home after being attacked by his friends’ dog named Ace.

On Thursday, the teenager was playing basketball with friends on St. Andrews Drive around 6 p.m.

When one of the kids that lived in the home opened the door, Ace ran out and approached the 13-year-old, deputies said.

The boy who’s familiar with the dog, bent over to pet it. However when the dog started growling, the teen tossed the ball to Ace thinking the dog wanted the ball.

Instead of running after the ball, the Pit Bull began mauling him.

The boy was bitten at least 25 times, his father Brian Keegan said. The boy’s hand is in need of reconstructive surgery.

According to Keegan, it’s going to take months for the teen to be back to normal. Also, since the dog owner failed to provide up-to-date rabies vaccine records, the teen is going through rabies injection treatment.

“On his right side there is a big chunk that was taken out,” Keegan said.

AUTHORITIES DID NOTHING AS PIT BULL KEPT ATTACKING
Tod Goodyear from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office dug up the dogs past.

In 2015, the same Pit Bull bit for the first time. Two years later, in 2017, it attacked again, biting a person.

Shortly after the attack the owner surrender the dog to Animal Services and it is now in quarantine.

“This is something where the dog got lose and unfortunately it bit someone,” Goodyear said.

The dog owner will have to pay hundreds of dollars for four citations including not being able to produce current rabies vaccine documentation and for the dog biting someone causing severe injury.

If the dog is deemed dangerous, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office officials say, the Pit Bull might be euthanized.

So the owner gets to have a dog that for three years continues to attack people and pets. Then, after the latest, most vicious attack, the owner gets to surrender the dog, with no criminal charges, and is free to go on craigslist and buy another Pit Bull today. This is lazy policing. What about all the victims? If I were this boy's parent, I'd be suing for the police's failure to protect their son from being mauled by a known vicious dog.

GOFUNDME: Pitbull Attack Victim Mark Keegan
Created March 18, 2018

Vanessa Lenz- Keegan
on behalf of Brian Keegan
  Medical
  SEBASTIAN, FL

(MyNews13 - March 17, 2018)

Rhode Island: Rescued Smithfield dogs waiting for court decision; Michael Williams and Michael Ramos each charged with 25 counts of Animal Cruelty

RHODE ISLAND -- The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is reporting that the English Bulldogs and French bulldogs rescued on March 20 from a Smithfield home at 189 Pleasant View Ave. are not available for adoption or foster care due to pending court proceedings.

 

 

The rescued animals included more than 25 dogs and puppies, more than 100 snakes, and rats. They are all in the custody of Smithfield Animal Control and shelters in North Providence and Burrillville.

Thomas Taylor, Smithfield Animal Control Warden, said the local shelter took in a total of eight dogs, four of which are puppies. The RISPCA took in four pregnant females, according to Taylor, because they have more resources to care for the dogs.

 

 

 

Until a decision is made in the case, the dogs will remain in the custody of animal control and the RISPCA, but Taylor said he hopes ownership of the animals is relinquished and the pups can go to proper, caring homes.

“We’re going to wait it out, it all depends on the judges and what they decided. We’ll see if a judge can get them to hand them over,” Taylor said.

 

 

Two arrests were made in the case, charging Michael Williams (aka Mike Williams, Omar Williams) and Michael Ramos (aka Noel Ramos, Mike Ramos) each with 25 counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals and conspiracy, according to Taylor. Reports that the dogs were standing in their own waste were made following the rescue, and the house was condemned.

Taylor refers to the specialized breed as “Little Bulldozers,” and said each dog has a great temperament in spite of their history. He estimated the puppies would have sold for between $2,500 and $3,500.

 

 

Adoption applications are not being accepted at this time, but Taylor said calls inquiring for the pups have not stopped since the arrests. He said until a decision is made, he can’t hold the dogs for adoption either.

Thankfully, he said, the community supported the shelter, and food and monetary donations have not stopped. He asked that any checks be made out to the RISPCA, as they are handling the costs of any veterinary services the animals receive.

“We’re all working together, all the local shelters are working together on this one,” he said.

He said a situation such as this brings out the best in the community, and the shelter is in good shape when it comes to collars and leashes.

Smithfield held an emergency animal shelter supply drive last Saturday, March 24, collecting cleaning supplies, pet food, dog shampoo, leashes, and collars. Taylor said the community “really helped us out,” and it was a great effort.

 

 

(Valley Breeze - March 28, 2018)

Earlier:

• Rhode Island: Animal control removes dogs, rats and snakes from Smithfield home
• Rhode Island: Animal cruelty suspect Michael Williams was already on probation for animal cruelty

Rhode Island: Korina Ferreira, 40, Charged with Animal Cruelty for the 2nd time after dead and live animals found suffering inside filthy home

RHODE ISLAND -- A woman faces 17 charges of unnecessary animal cruelty after authorities removed 17 dogs from a building in Woonsocket, where police also found 16 live chickens, a dead pig, a dead chicken and a dead bird, according to the Woonsocket police.

Korina Ferreira, 40, of 68 Etna St., Fall River, was charged after the police went to a house at 36 Cottage Street for a report of an animal problem and found the 17 dogs, including eight 3-week-old puppies, in a second-floor apartment with feces covering the floor and an overwhelming smell of urine, according to a police statement. 

The building had no running water or electricity.

Conditions in the building were “uninhabitable to animals or humans,” said E.J. Finocchio, president of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which sent two investigators to the property. Finocchio said one of those investigators told him “it was the worst situation he has faced in the eight years he’s been doing animal cruelty investigations, and we’ve seen some bad ones.”

The police were called to the address at about 7 p.m. by a neighbor who’d reporting seeing “a dog on the roof of the property,” according to a statement from Woonsocket Patrol Officer Steven A. Langevin.

“Upon arrival I observed what appeared to be a barking dog on a landing directly outside a window on the second floor of 36 Cottage St.,” Langevin wrote.

The neighbor told the police she thought the building had been abandoned because she hadn’t seen anyone there for more than a year, and Langevin wrote that police dispatch informed him that the address was on the city’s vacant building list. He also found a notice from National Grid on the first-floor front door informing the second-floor occupants that the electricity had been shut off.

Walking around the residence, Langevin saw two dogs poking their heads out a second-floor window. He also saw evidence that somebody had been living there.

“As I looked into the windows of the first floor, I observed what appeared to be feces and massive amounts of clutter within the apartment,” he wrote. “I could clearly hear the sounds of multiple dogs barking from the second floor apartment.”

When nobody inside the house answered their calls, the police decided to enter the building because of their concern for the welfare of the animals. As they were trying to get inside, Ferreira arrived. She told the police that she “sometimes” lived on the second floor. She said her mother owned the property.

Ferreira entered the building with police officers. When Ferreira moved a refrigerator that had been blocking the living room, “approximately 7 dogs came running out of the living room, stampeding towards Police,” Langevin wrote. “The dogs appeared to be extremely dirty and covered in filth, urine and fecal matter,” Langevin wrote.

“I observed one dog bite into a gallon of water as it drank from it frantically,” Langevin wrote.

Most of the dogs appeared to be “pit bull-type” dogs, according to Finocchio.

Some of the dogs ran into the backyard, according to Woonsocket Sgt. Sean A. Carpenter.

“The dogs immediately started looking for water and started drinking from pools of water from various pieces of trash in the yard,” Carpenter said. He said some of the dogs appeared skinny, they did not have any apparent injuries.

According to Carpenter, Ferreira told the police that she’d been keeping her animals in the house since summer until she could find new housing for themr. She told the police she brought water to them nightly.

The dogs were taken to three different shelters — North Smithfield, Woonsocket and Warwick — according to Finocchio.

Ferreira was arrested late Thursday night and arraigned in District Court, Providence, on Friday morning, where she pleaded not guilty to the charges, which are all misdemeanors.

She was ordered held on $15,000 with surety and ordered to undergo pretrial services including mental health counseling. She is to have no contact with animals. It’s unclear whether she posted bonded.

REPEAT OFFENDER
Ferreira was sent to prison on previous animal cruelty charges. In that case, she was convicted of intentionally starving her American Bulldog named Pebbles.

What Pebbles looked like when seized

Pebbles, at a healthy weight

(Providence Journal - March 30, 2018)

Earlier:

• Rhode Island: Korina Ferreira sentenced to 1-1/2 years in jail for intentionally starving her dog

Kentucky: Man rushes to help after elderly man and his dog attacked by Pit Bull

KENTUCKY -- Ronnie Tucker posted on Facebook March 13, 2018 ·

Came home from work and backed into my driveway as always, opened my door and heard a scream for help.

Jumped back in the truck and went down the street to a neighbor being mauled by a pit bull. got a tie down strap around his neck and had to drag the beast off the man.

80 years old out walking his dog and this thing knocked him down trying to to get his dog. Busted his head and took a finger off.

Animal control, ambulance, and police cars but not another person anywhere to help. Glad I got home when I did.

  

  

 

Oklahoma: Child, 5, mauled by neighbor's Pit Bull. His mom tells reporter, "I don't blame the dog"

OKLAHOMA -- The mother of a 5-year-old said her son was almost killed when her neighbor's dog jumped the fence and attached her boy.

"He could have killed my son. He was a fraction of an inch away from puncturing his jugular veins," said Christina Stahler. "It looked like he had just been dumped by red paint."

 

 

 

The boy was rushed to OU Children's Hospital where his cuts and bruises were treated. The child received eight stitches.

Neighbors were there to help save the child and said the dog has attacked other residents in the neighborhood.

Animal Control was called; the dog is now confined to the house. If it comes out, it must be on a leash.

  

 

We tried to talk to the dog's owners. Their child said they weren't home.

"That dog is very vicious. It needs to be put down before it hurts someone seriously," said Betty Wooden, area resident. "There are a lot of kids in this trailer park that runs around, so something needs to be done."

MOTHER OF LITTLE BOY IS AN APOLOGIST
"I don’t blame the dog. We’ve owned pit bulls, and we have three strays here that are super friendly. The responsibility of the dog's actions lay on the owners," Stahler said.

"The dog needs to be euthanized. This has happened before. I don’t believe there is any rehab for the dog. I don’t want to see this happening to someone else's kids."

News 4 talked to Animal Control; they said the dog's scheduled to be picked up Tuesday. It will be held at their facility until a judge rules on its future.

Typically, the owners are assessed a $200 fine, but it could be up to $1,200. The Stahlers would have to file a civil suit for damages and medical costs.

 

 

(KFOR - March 20, 2018)