Judge declares dog in Arizona mauling vicious
PHOENIX (AP) — A Phoenix judge is weighing whether to euthanize or get treatment for a pit bull that mauled a 4-year-old boy last month and touched off a polarizing Internet debate on animal violence.
Municipal Court Judge Deborah Griffin plans to announce her ruling Tuesday afternoon after she declared earlier in the day that the dog, Mickey, was vicious.
The legal designation gives Griffin options that include euthanizing, defanging, neutering or permanently confining the dog.
The Feb. 20 attack left 4-year-old Kevin Vicente with a broken eye socket and jaw.
An adult who was at the scene recommended the dog be euthanized.
Thousands of animal lovers have taken to social media to support Mickey, placing blame with the dog's owners and child's baby sitter. Supporters wore T-shirts to court that bore a paw print and said "Save Mickey."
