On Wednesday, a 45-year-old woman from New York admitted to reckless endangerment following an incident in which her dog attacked a 2-year-old boy who was playing across the street after escaping from her home.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, on March 14, 2023, when Amy Willi opened the door to her Long Island home, her dog Kojo bolted across the street and ran into the yard of a “unsuspecting toddler” who was playing there. To shield the youngster, the boy’s uncle reached out to take him up. However, Kojo bit the guy on the left forearm, prompting the uncle to let go of the boy.
After that, Kojo dove at the boy, biting him all over—face, head, and leg. According to the prosecution, the youngster had injuries to his right eye, cheek, scalp, knee, and leg. Other relatives rushed to the boy’s aid, and he was eventually brought to safety. His wounds were stitched up when he was hastily transported to the hospital.
A “dangerous dog with violent tendencies” was the description that Willi gave to police when they asked about Kojo, according to prosecutors.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney of Suffolk County stated, “The defendant’s dog’s dangerous tendencies coupled with her failure to properly secure the animal led to an innocent child and his uncle sustaining serious injuries.”
“Pet owners must understand the serious responsibility that comes with owning animals. Necessary precautions pet owners must take to ensure the safety of their pets, and the community[,] include maintaining secure enclosures, using leashes in public areas, and not leaving their animals unattended where they could potentially escape. Failure to do so can lead to tragic consequences, as seen in this case,” he added.
Willi has been ordered to refrain from owning, possessing, or caring for any animals for a period of three years as a result of her guilty plea to the misdemeanor reckless endangerment allegation. On November 20, she will be sentenced by a judge.