Expert: Husky that killed McKeesport newborn not a dangerous dog

PITTSBURGH — The husky that police say killed a McKeesport infant is not a dangerous dog and should not be euthanized, a dog behavior expert testified today during a hearing to determine if the dog should be put down.

Allegheny County prosecutors are seeking to have Helo declared a dangerous dog, which would likely result in euthanization, after a Feb. 16 attack on 2-day-old Howard Nicholson Jr. in his home. A Churchill man adopted the dog after the attack and is appealing prosecutors' plans.

James W. Crosby, the expert hired by the defense, said that his examination of pictures of the baby's body shows that the bite marks are consistent with two dogs and playful behavior.

"The injuries to the baby are consistent with play gone wrong. People did not properly introduce infants to this dog," Crosby said. "One or more dogs mistook this child for a squeaking toy."

Deputy District Attorney Laura Ditka pulled out pictures of the baby's mauled head during her cross-examination. She asked him if he would be comfortable leaving the dog around kids.

"I teach that dogs should never be left unattended with infants or small children," Crosby said. "Do I recommend leaving this or any other dog unattended with an infant on the floor? No."

Common Pleas Judge Edward J. Borkowski continued the hearing until April 27. The 19-month-old animal remains in a kennel for now. William Uhring, who adopted the dog, was in court but declined to comment.

The baby's mother, Brandy Furlong, 21, told police she placed a baby seat holding her son on the living room floor of her Scott Street home and walked out of the room for a few minutes. She heard the child screaming and returned to find the infant bloodied, with the husky hovering over it. The baby died about 90 minutes later in a hospital.

Uhring paid kennel costs for the husky and a pit bull that was also seized from the home at the time of the attack. He gave the pit bull back to Furlong and her boyfriend, Howard Nicholson, when he adopted Helo.

Borkowski ordered police and a state dog warden to confiscate the husky, referred to in court papers as "Nikko, the dog," and to quarantine the animal. Uhring said he changed the dog's name to Helo when he took custody because he has a husky named Nico.

Allegheny County police charged Furlong last month with a misdemeanor count of violating the state's dangerous dog laws. She faces a preliminary hearing April 16.

This article was written by Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE

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