A VERY sad day on the mountain (caution, very graffic)

[Skywatch_NC]

Prayers and thoughts go out to that young girl's family.

Eric

[HurricaneGirl]

[azsnowman]

Here's more on the story:

http://www.azcentral.com


Charges considered after dogs kill girl

Dennis Wagner
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 15, 2004 12:00 AM

With two sets of parents in mourning, Navajo County prosecutors were contemplating criminal charges Tuesday against the owner of marauding dogs that killed a 5-year-old girl in Show Low.

Police Sgt. Shawn Roby said Annilee McKinnon was playing with other children Monday in the front yard at her birth parents' home when three "pit bull-type" canines attacked.

He said the girl's father, Troy McKinnon, hurried outside, picked his daughter up and ran for help as the dogs continued jumping and snapping at her.




Annilee suffered fatal injuries to her head and neck. Police chaplains were brought in to comfort family members, witnesses, investigators and medical workers traumatized by the incident.

Roby said the dogs are owned by Janice Caulkins, 38, who was cited two weeks ago because the same pack went into another yard and attacked a neighbor's dog.

On Monday, Roby said, Caulkins told investigators her children must have left a door open, allowing the animals outside her house. Caulkins could not be reached for comment.

Roby said it is unclear what prompted the attack: "There's absolutely no explanation. Other kids were in the yard playing with Annilee. For some reason, the dogs targeted her."

All three dogs were impounded.

Navajo County Attorney Melvin Bowers said he must await police reports before deciding how to proceed.

"We've asked them to investigate as though it were a crime," he said.

"It's certainly a terrible, terrible tragedy. Is somebody criminally responsible? I can't answer that yet."

Potential charges range from manslaughter to a vicious-dog felony to misdemeanor leash-law violation.

Annilee, described as an energetic little redhead, was on a court-approved visit to her birth parents, Troy and Dawn McKinnon, when the attack occurred about 3:20 p.m. Monday. They could not be reached for comment.

Annilee lived with foster parents Robert and Cathy Fichtelman of Concho, a community about 30 miles northeast of Show Low.

The Fichtelmans, crying during a telephone interview, said they could not comment because of rules imposed by Child Protective Services.

"We had her for four of her five years," Robert Fichtelman added. "I want to talk so bad. . . . But we have another (foster) child we could lose if we breach confidentiality."

"We've been fighting to get somebody's eyes open," Cathy Fichtelman said. "This little girl, her words, her thoughts, have just been ignored."

Liz Barker, a Child Protective Services spokeswoman, said information on Annilee's case is confidential.

"Our hearts go out to this little girl's family and to everyone who loved her," Barker said.



Reach the reporter at dennis.wagner@arizonarepublic .com or (602) 444-8874.

[JenBayles]

Why or why can't people be responsible dog owners?

What an absolute horror. You hit the nail on the head Mary about irresponsible pet owners. I'll take it one step further and also mention irresponsible BREEDERS. A well-bred American Staffordshire Terrier (pit bull) can be an absolute joy. It's the backyard breeders that are ruining this breed (and rottweillers) - they specifically breed for the fighting and aggressive characteristics. Next thing you know, Billy Badass has to buy one as a d**k extender. (Sorry about the vocabulary, but I'm really passionate about this issue!)

Much as I despise allowing government into one more aspect of our lives, it wouldn't hurt my feelings to see the dog breeding business regulated and restricted to knowledgable, licensed people.

[alicia-w]

give the local animal control folks the manning, funding and authority to do their job.... that might help instead of creating new rules and regs that wont be enforced...

[JenBayles]

Very true.

[azsnowman]

Things have truly gotten out of hand up here on the mountain, in the past 44 hours, people have lost their minds. 2 pit bulls around town have been fed antifreeze in hamburger, 2 more pit bull mix's have been hanging around the make shift memorial at the residence for little Annilee, we (Pinetop PD) have received OVER 18 calls of suspicious dogs running at large, needless to say, I've worked MORE than my required 15 hours per week as a reserve officer for the Pinetop Police Dept. FOX 10 News, News Channel 3, News Channel 12 NBC have been running specials on the news casts at 0600, 1200 and at 1700 on Pit bulls.....this has been an EYE opener for the state of Az. Pinetop PD is working on a resolution that, when implimented, will have ZERO Tolerance for ANY dog at large, PERIOD, no questions asked, even if it's the owners 1st offense, $200 fine, $60 adoption fee from the Humane Society (yes, you HAVE to adopt YOUR OWN dog in order to get it out of the HS!)

Dennis

[Stephanie]

I think that the resolution is a step in the right direction.

I can't believe the scum that fed those two pit bulls anitfreeze!

[Skywatch_NC]

Things have truly gotten out of hand up here on the mountain, in the past 44 hours, people have lost their minds. 2 pit bulls around town have been fed antifreeze in hamburger, 2 more pit bull mix's have been hanging around the make shift memorial at the residence for little Annilee, we (Pinetop PD) have received OVER 18 calls of suspicious dogs running at large, needless to say, I've worked MORE than my required 15 hours per week as a reserve officer for the Pinetop Police Dept. FOX 10 News, News Channel 3, News Channel 12 NBC have been running specials on the news casts at 0600, 1200 and at 1700 on Pit bulls.....this has been an EYE opener for the state of Az. Pinetop PD is working on a resolution that, when implimented, will have ZERO Tolerance for ANY dog at large, PERIOD, no questions asked, even if it's the owners 1st offense, $200 fine, $60 adoption fee from the Humane Society (yes, you HAVE to adopt YOUR OWN dog in order to get it out of the HS!)

Dennis

I understand the $200 fine...but why a $60 re-adoption fee?

Eric

[azsnowman]

It's a way to wake the dog owners up Eric, like they say, "Hit 'em in the pocket book, works everytime!" We do have a leash law here in town, 1st offense for a dog at large, the dog is brought back to the owner, no warning. 2nd offense....warning, 3rd, written warning, 4th, $200 fine. So.....we'll see!

Dennis

[streetsoldier]

In Miner MO (just to our east), any person who owns a Pit Bull, German Shepherd, Chow, or Doberman Pinscher has to keep the dog in a 6X6' cage at night; an outer fence that is 4' underground and at least 6' above ground; and post a $50K bond with the city, plus take out insurance for damages in case the dog attacks someone.

[azsnowman]

I'm off duty today HOWEVER, I've got the radio on AND...Show Low PD "JUST" this minute, PICKED the dog owners UP and HAULED their BUTTS to Holbrook (county jail....talk about a sleeze pit ) and CPS (Child Protective Services) was called to pick up their kids! "YES.....there is *some* justice in this world AFTER ALL!"

Dennis

[Stephanie]

That's great to hear Dennis!

[therock1811]

I'm off duty today HOWEVER, I've got the radio on AND...Show Low PD "JUST" this minute, PICKED the dog owners UP and HAULED their BUTTS to Holbrook (county jail....talk about a sleeze pit ) and CPS (Child Protective Services) was called to pick up their kids! "YES.....there is *some* justice in this world AFTER ALL!"

Dennis

YES...justice is served for that little girl!