Patch Poll: Put Down or Spare an Accused Killer Dog?

In the latest twist to a controversial case, Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Edward J. Borkowski has scheduled a hearing for 9 a.m. Thursday to review the fate of a pet husky blamed for killing its owners' infant son.

The judge last week ordered the dog to be quarantined and euthanized, but he held off after for the dog. Uhring also filed an appeal on the dog's behalf, contending that other dogs also were present in the child's home and may have bitten the child.

Uhring told Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch that he views the child's death as a tragic accident and that he wants to save the dog's life.

"“I know a lot of people say I could bail on him, but I want the dog," he said. "He’s a great dog and I want to move forward.”

This week's hearing is scheduled for Room 514 in the Allegheny County Courthouse, Downtown.

The dog—called Nikko, Nico or Halo—is blamed for mauling newborn Howard Nicholson Feb. 16 after the child's mother, Brandy Furlong, left the infant in a carrier on the living-room floor in their McKeesport home. When she returned to the room, the baby was bleeding from a severe head wound and the dog's snout was bloody, authorities said. 

The baby died at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. His death spurred renewed interest throughout Western Pennsylvania in pet-safety classes, including the Animal Friends to prepare families planning to bring babies into homes with dogs.

Borkowski last week ordered that the dog be seized and put down within 10 days, prompting Uhring to file his appeal. The judge also ordered McKeesport Animal Control Officer Ken Feree to quarantine the dog until the appeal and issues of potential dog-law violations are resolved. 

What should the judge do now?

Should he spare the dog and allow it to live on in another home? Or should he make sure the dog is put down to eliminate all risk that it attacks another human?

What do you think?