Expert: Dog that fatally bit newborn not dangerous

Expert: Dog that fatally bit newborn not dangerous

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (AP) — A defense expert says the dog that fatally bit a newborn baby inside a Pittsburgh-area home says the dog was playing, not attacking the child.

A dog behavior expert told an Allegheny County judge Thursday the dog, Helo, wasn’t trying to harm 2-day-old Howard Nicholson when he bit the child’s head February 16 after they were left unattended.

Prosecutors want the 19-month-old husky euthanized, saying he’s dangerous. A man who subsequently adopted Helo says he’s not dangerous.

Defense expert James Crosby says the dog may have mistaken the newborn for a toy when the child was left on the floor when his mother left the room.

The dog remains quarantined. The hearing was continued until April 27.

A citation was issued to the child’s mother over dog law violations.