Story updated at 1:20 p.m., May 22, 2013.
ST. GEORGE – A 10-year-old St. George boy returned to school Tuesday after spending two weeks recovering from an attack by three Rottweilers.
The incident
On May 6, 10-year-old K.J. Reid was attacked by three Rottweilers after falling into the yard where the dogs were kept. He was playing with friends when he got up on the block wall that separated the yards and fell off.
The dogs also attacked their owner and her 10-year-old daughter as they tried to separate them from the boy. K.J.’s injuries required surgery, while the dogs’ owner was treated for extensive bite marks on her arms. Her daughter was also treated for bites to her hands.
The dogs were taken into the possession of animal control following the incident.
Recovering
“Today was his first day back to class,” K.J.’s father, Rob Reid, said Tuesday.
Rob Reid said his son had only required the one surgery following the attack and has been recovering well since.
“He’s up and walking around,” he said, and said that K.J. wants to be more active than his recovering injuries currently allow for.
K.J. was able to make it to school for the morning, but by noon he was taken home. Rob Reid said it’s hoped he will be able to stay the entire day tomorrow. Even though the school year ends in a few days, K.J.’s parents want his friends to remember him in his recovering state before summer break, rather than remembering how he looked in the hospital.
Concerning the attack, Rob Reid, whose family is acquainted with the family that owns the Rottweilers, said, “it really was just an accident.”
He said the woman who owns the dogs also appears to be recovering well and is expected to return to work soon. Her 10-year-old daughter is also doing fine after t.he incident,
The dogs
Rob Reid said officials with the City of St. George recently contacted his wife to inform the family that none of the Rottweilers were infected with rabies or any other disease, and that they also implied that the animals would be dealt with soon.
St. George Police Sgt. Sam Despain said the case has been handed over to the St. George City Attorney’s Office for review. City Attorney Shawn Guzman said no charges have been brought against the dogs’ owner as the city’s legal office is still screening the case.
Guzman also confirmed the three Rottweilers were put down with the owner’s consent.
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I’m sorry, but I don’t think the City’s legal office should be the ones that decide if this goes to court or not. Let the boy’s parents decide if they want to press charges. If they don’t, then let it be the government doesn’t always know what’s best for us.
I know right? Just when we citizens thought our conservative area wanted smaller government!!
These dogs are not at fault, and should not be put to death.
Your an idot for saying that ..the dogs attacked there owners too ..and her daughter.. let see u change ur tune if it was your kid.. yes those dogs needed to be put down
Yes the boy was were he didn’t belong. But who in their right mind would want to take another chance owning dogs that have done this? I believe the dogs should be put down.
I know first hand that if these dogs should ever attack “again”, that the owners will be held criminally responsible….because they now have a history. And no insurance company will ever insure them for damages caused by any of their dogs in the future. From my experience, there will be no criminal charges this time if the owners claim that they had no knowledge of there dogs “ever” being aggressive. It’s a crappy law, anyone without a documented report against their dogs and say ” they’ve never been mean before, or bitten anyone…. and get away with a mauling.
Someone can walk across your yard and trip on a sprinkler and sue you, but god forbid it if they get bit or mauled by your rottweilers and think they have a case against you! unreal.
I’m a dog owner, and I love my dogs dearly…. I would never keep my dogs if they did this to someone. They need to be put down and any responsible owner would do the same.
KL Reid you are one awesome young man and we’re thrilled you’re all right and back in school. I am so sorry this happened and I hope your wounds heal quickly. You should know not all animals are mean spirited or vicious. I only hope we can teach owners to treat their pets with kindness and compassion and become true family pets who live in loving households. Instill love not fear into your family pets.
It’s good to see you back on your feet again with a big smile on your face!
What about the chihuahua attack/bite at the st.george shelter? Where’s the news on that? Oh ya, if it can’t be “big “don’t let people know.what bs. Don’t play in other people’s yard.
He wasn’t playing in the neighbors yard dimwit, he was on a brick wall and fell off into the yard. Know your facts before polluting the rant sections
So happy for you, K.J. I was devastated when I heard the news. Way to be tough, lil man 😉
I was attacked by a Rottweiler when I was 7 (I’m 25 now) and have massive scars on me. i know that it’s the entire breed that tends to be mean. There are exceptions to the rule but overall it’s a bad breed of dogs. I’m so glad he is ok I know what it feels like. I also feel bad for the owners of the dogs because I’m sure she feels guilt and sadness for loosing her pets. I hope she learns and doesn’t get another Rottweiler.
RIP, 3 reactive dogs who were in their own yard when a stranger entered. They were rottweilers. People need to realize the special obligation that having a 100lb+ dog creates in their lives. You will never, ever, convince me that there haven’t been incidents (previous to that night) when that kid wasn’t taunting them. I won’t believe it.