Florida boy, 8, ‘maliciously mauled’ to death by dogs he stopped to pet while out riding his bike: sheriff

An 8-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a horrific dog attack in a Florida neighborhood. Michael Millett was riding his bike with a friend in the Berry Ridge neighborhood in DeLand when he stopped to pet two seemingly friendly dogs at the entrance. Unfortunately, the encounter quickly turned violent as the dogs viciously attacked him, ultimately leading to his death.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood described the attack as malicious and stated that Millett was bitten 12 times by the two dogs, identified as a Pit Bull Terrier and possibly a Catahoula or another herding breed. Despite efforts to stop the attack, the little boy suffered horrific injuries and succumbed to his wounds at the scene.

The owner of the dogs, who has a history of arrests for various charges including drugs, domestic violence, and assault, was not present during the attack. The dogs were captured by deputies and taken into custody by Volusia County Animal Services for humane euthanasia. The sheriff emphasized the importance of holding the owner accountable and ensuring that the dogs are destroyed.

Neighbors reported that the dogs had a history of roaming the neighborhood and causing trouble, but there were no previous calls to authorities about the animals. The tragic incident has sparked an investigation involving state attorneys to determine negligence on the part of the owner and to seek justice for Michael Millett.

The community has rallied around the family, with a GoFundMe set up to support them during this difficult time. Described as smart, funny, caring, and adventurous, Michael’s loss has deeply affected those who knew him. The family is devastated by the tragedy and will always remember the light he brought into their lives.

As authorities work to piece together the events of that fateful day, it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership. Keeping animals confined to property, ensuring public safety, and providing proper socialization and training are crucial aspects of owning a pet. The community mourns the loss of a young life and hopes that justice will be served for Michael Millett.