Mother Of Baby Killed By Dog Charged With Misdemeanor
MCKEESPORT (KDKA) -- An 18-month old husky, named Nikko, is accused of killing newborn baby, Howard Nicholson, on February 16.
In the house on Scott Street in McKeesport, the child's mother, Brandy Furlong, told police that she left her son in a carrier on the living room floor while she went upstairs to use the bathroom.
Brandy Furlong, 22, returned to find the family's Husky with a bloodied muzzle standing over the baby. The medical examiner ruled the death accidental due to head trauma.
Now, Allegheny County Police are filing a single count of "harboring a dangerous animal in which injury or death occurs" against Furlong. It is considered a first class misdemeanor. She faces a magistrate's hearing.
Nikko had his day in court Thursday. The judge determined that he will spend the next three weeks under veterinary care with an independent behavioral supervisor.
A Churchill couple who wants to adopt Nikko is bringing a renowned animal behaviorist from Florida.
Nikko's next hearing is the first week of April. The judge will review the findings and decide if the dog should be euthanized or placed for adoption.
As for Brandy Furlong, the D.A. and the Allegheny County Police are still considering additional charges against her.
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