Florence, South Carolina – According to Environmental Services Officer Todd Floyd, the owner of eight dogs that allegedly attacked her 14-month-old niece showed up for a hearing at Florence County Magistrate Court on Tuesday morning. The unfortunate incident where the dogs brutally attacked the girl, resulting in her hospitalization, took place on January 6.
The owner, who is the little girl’s aunt, requested a public defender during the hearing. The officials in charge of animal control suggested to the judge to retain the dogs at the shelter until further proceedings. They want to wait until the aunt comes back to court with her lawyer to decide if these dogs are a danger.
Todd Floyd explained that the dogs will stay under animal control’s care until the aunt’s next court date. He mentioned that if the aunt opts for a trial by jury, the process might stretch over a considerable period, possibly taking up to a year.
There are specific rules that will be applied to these dogs if they are found to be dangerous. The owner will have to follow these rules to get the dogs back.
Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye revealed that the child was in the yard at the time of the attack, which occurred on Twin Church Road.
Michael Eastridge, the father of the injured child, shared some good news. He said his daughter is no longer on life support and is recovering at home.
