A woman has been accused in connection with a dog attack that killed a two-year-old in March.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Melissa Phillips, 55, was charged with breaching ‘Emily’s Law’ and brought herself in on Thursday.
According to MCSO spokesperson Brent Patterson, the incident occurred when a boy was at a neighbor’s house on T.R. Christian Road and was attacked by a neighbor’s dog. The MCSO responded alongside the New Hope Police Department (NHPD) and the Owens Cross Roads Police Department (OXPD).
According to Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill, the youngster, a two-year-old boy, died as a result of bite wounds sustained during the attack. When officers arrived, MCSO reported that they began performing life-saving efforts to the youngster, who was subsequently pronounced dead.
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While investigating the attack, the sheriff’s office discovered two dogs at a neighbor’s house and took them owing to their “potential involvement in the attack.” A third dog, thought to have been involved in the attack, was found down the road.
“The owner of the third dog submitted their pet to law authorities while the investigation was ongoing. “All three dogs suspected in the attack were surrendered by their owners and picked up by Madison County Animal Control,” the MCSO stated.
Authorities said they discovered that one of the three canines was recently involved in another dog attack in the vicinity, which the WRBL reported in January.
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A forensic odontologist was able to obtain bite impressions and rule out two of the original dogs’ participation in the boy’s death. The sheriff’s office said that all of the canines had been euthanized.
Phillips was transported to the Madison County Jail Facility, where her bond was set at $15,000. According to MCSO, the investigation is ongoing and may result in additional charges.