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In the summer of 2007, a young pitbull is claimed to have sodomized a boy in a small apartment on Washburn Street , Lockport , N.Y. The police report stated that while mother was present during the incident, she was located in another room. When the police questioned the mother, she claimed to have left the child alone for a short period until she heard him scream. She claimed to have entered the room and allegedly witnessed the dog penetrating the boy. The mother told the police that she yelled at the dog, which subsequently ran outside, dragging the child with it. The child was taken to a local hospital and treated for his injuries. According to Al Chille, Executive Director of the Niagara County SPCA , that while the family of the boy wishes for the dog to be killed, it will be held in their facility pending a full police investigation as to the circumstances which caused the dog’s behavior. Lockport Police Detective, Captain Larry Eggert, explained the dog had been with the family for two years and has never shown any signs of aggression—towards humans or other animals. The Lockport Police Department has received calls stating the pitbull was specifically trained in this type of activity and are currently pursuing leads to identify the participants. Lockport Police are interviewing more witnesses in the case and meeting with dog behavioral experts to try and figure out what motivated the pitbull to sodomize a young boy. Several experts claim it is not possible for a canine to seek out acts of sodomy with another species unless trained to do so, while others claim it is not a learned behavior because canines are known to have a higher hormonal drive. Regardless, animal advocates voice that this case is unusual. Mr. Chille himself believes that whatever the true cause of the incident was, “The intent, apparently, wasn’t to hurt the child. My understanding is the child had no bites on him at all.” It has been repeatedly observed that following the incident, the pitbull has ye to show signs of aggression towards humans or other animals and acts in a “docile and even timid nature towards the other animals in the kennel.” Lockport Police Chief Neil Merritt stated it would be up to a judge to determine the pitbull’s fate once the investigation has been concluded. Chief Merritt also said, "I know a court order can destroy a dog if it's a danger to the public or it's exhibited harmful behavior." The Niagara County District Attorney's office plans to sit down with investigators to determine if any charges will be filed. Captain Eggert said "It’s not a pleasant case to have to work with.......It's almost unbelievable." This incident occurred in the summer of 2007 and it is now fall. There has been no update as to the result of any animal behaviorist study, nor has the investigation concluded concerning the family and possible witnesses. Since the attack, nearly two dozen people have called the SPCA and relayed they were willing to adopt the pitbull. As of yet, no request has been granted to give the pitbull a caring home. |
