Husky that killed infant to be placed in out-of-state animal sanctuary

PITTSBURGH — A hearing Friday morning determined the fate of a husky that killed an infant earlier this year.

Channel 11's Dave Bondy reported that both sides agreed that the husky will be placed in an out-of-state animal sanctuary.

Investigators said the dog mauled and killed a 3-day-old infant at a McKeesport home in February.

Police said the baby was lying on the floor in a carrier when the husky grabbed the child by the head.

Officials said the dog was underfed and also had a broken leg that was not treated by a veterinarian.  Experts said the dog could have attacked because of the circumstances it was under.

The 21-year-old mother, Brandy Furlong,  was charged with endangering the welfare of a child,  harboring a dangerous dog and other violations.

After the attack, William Uhring of Churchill adopted the dog and had been fighting to keep the dog alive rather than have it destroyed.

A day after Uhring got custody of Niko, officials took the dog away and placed him in a Monroeville facility.

Niko the dog's adoptive owner said he's backing the decision to send him out-of-state because he and the dog have received numerous threats.

"He has a family. He received threats on his family. He felt he did the best to save the animal's life and while he wanted to keep the animal, his own safety overcame his involvement in this case," said Uhring's attorney Ryan Mergl.

Prosecutor Laura Ditka said Friday's decision ensured that the dog will never be able to be adopted.

"I am glad that this is over and I think it refocuses the true tragedy, which is the loss of an infant and the people responsible for the loss of the infant," Ditka said.

The whereabouts of the facility were not revealed, but Uhring's attorney said the dog will be in a comfortable and safe environment.

"He is going to a facility that has experience in dealing with these type of animals. It is a very nice setup that will permit him to have interaction with other animals," Pam Amicarella, Uhring's attorney said.

The dog will be moved to the facility sometime next week.

WPXI