2009 Fatality: Alex Angulo, 4-Years Old Mauled to Death by Family Rottweiler
Foster Families May Face New RulesUPDATE 01/14/09: In response to the recent fatal attack of Alex Angulo by his foster family's rottweiler, Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines) said the Illinois House committee that oversees the Department of Children and Family Services might consider tough legislation outlawing dangerous dogs in foster homes. DCFS officials are awaiting results of an independent inquiry by a Child Death Review Team before deciding to make any changes.
Correctly, Cook County Public Guardian Robert Harris added, "There should be a whole protocol for issues of pets in general."01/14/09: Child Welfare Agency QuestionedThe case of Alex Angulo continues to grow more tragic. After being tossed around to several homes, in 2007 he was placed into the home of a 77-year-old woman who had just renewed a foster-care license that was originally granted in 2000, according to DCFS officials. Though Alex had some behavioral issues, he showed a positive attitude in school and overall, state records showed that the foster home seemed to be working.
After the placement, workers found that Alex's foster mother was "maintaining a safe and appropriate environment" for the boy. His foster mother loved the boy like her own son, records noted.
But in December, a Juvenile Court judge determined that Alex's foster home was not a good fit in the long run because of his foster mother's advanced age. The goal was to move him to a home in which the parents could eventually adopt him.
One week prior to the move, Alex was killed by the foster family's rottweiler.
Kendall Marlowe, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said, "There was an understanding that the dogs lived outside, and the child would not have unsupervised contact with the dogs." Cook County Public Guardian Robert Harris said those precautions were not enough.
"Don't place a 4-year-old in a home with two big wild dogs," Harris said. "You don't just say, 'OK, the kid won't go out into the yard...'"
01/12/09: All Three Dogs EuthanizedThe rottweiler that killed a little boy has been euthanized, as have the other two household dogs. 4-year old Alex Angulo was a foster child who had been placed in the home by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) about a year earlier. It seems the agency knowingly placed the child into a home that hung "Beware of Dog" signs. Tragically, Alex was scheduled to leave the home this week to be placed with an adoptive family.
01/11/09: Father Discovered BodyChicago, IL - In a developing story, a 4-year old boy was reportedly mauled to death by a family rottweiler. Three dogs were removed from the home; two rotweillers and a poodle. One of the two rottweillers is believed to be responsible for killing 4-year-old Alex Angulo. A fire department spokesperson says the boys' father was out front using a snow blower, and the child was in back playing with the dog when the dog attacked.
Neighbors said the family had put in a fence recently, trying to make sure the dog did not get onto the sidewalk or into the street. A 'Beware of Dog' sign also hangs from the fence. Other neighbors reported that the dogs were menacing and that they were afraid of them. It is unknown if any of the dogs had a prior bite record. The Department of Children and Family Services is investigating an allegation of neglect in connection with Alex's death.
In 2008, DogsBite.org did not record any U.S. fatal dog attacks by rottweilers.Related Articles:10/18/08:
Rottweiler Inflicts 3,000 Stitches on Victim; Judge Frees Dog04/07/08:
Surgery Helps 6-Year Old Recover from Rottweiler Attack
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