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McKeesport mother of infant killed by dog charged with harboring dangerous dog, other violations

None — McKEESPORT, Pa. – Police announced Tuesday that the mother of the infant killed by a dog in McKeesport will face charges.

The 21-year-old mother is charged with harboring a dangerous dog and other violations, including not having licenses for her four dogs.

The Allegheny County coroner said a 3-day-old infant died after a husky attacked him at a McKeesport home Thursday morning.

Investigators told Channel 11's Renee Kaminski on Friday that the dog has caused problems in the past, including killing the family’s cat and recently trying to jump out of a window to get to other animals in the neighborhood.

Officials said the dog was underfed and that may have caused the dog to attack.  The kennel owner said the baby's family has called and asked for the dog back, but he's waiting for the district attorney to tell him what to do.

“I think it will be up to the courts and police to decide,” dog law enforcement officer Ken Ferree said. “We haven’t had many husky attacks like this one, but every dog has a propensity to attack given the circumstances.”

Police said the attack happened Thursday around 9:30 a.m. inside of a home on Scott Street.

Howard Nicholson was flown to Children's Hospital Pittsburgh where he later died at 10:55 a.m.

The McKeesport police Capt. Tim Hanna said the baby was lying on the floor in a carrier when the husky grabbed the child by the head.

Ron Filo lives next door and said the scene was chaotic as police and paramedics tried to save the baby.

“I just don’t understand how things could have gone so wrong,” Filo said. “I just feel so bad for the whole family.”

Filo also said he drove Nicholson’s mother to hospital to deliver and then drove them home Wednesday night.

“They were so happy to bring him home,” Filo said. “It’s emotional. There are no words to say except to pray for the baby.”

Police said there were three other dogs inside of the home at the time of the attack, including a pit bull. Animal Control officers took the husky and pit bull out of the home.

Animals Friends said it offers a workshop every month on how to get pets ready for bringing a baby into the home. The classes are held on Camp Horne Road. The next one is scheduled for March 21.