Chicago Injury News

Fill out the form
to speak to an
Injury Lawyer Now.

Kids Mauled By Pit Bulls Show Improvement

November 30, 2005

The two children mauled by pit bulls over the weekend showed slight signs of improvement Monday, authorities said, as they hinted that the dogs' owner likely won't face criminal charges as a result of the attack.

While the investigation hasn't been completed, McHenry County officials said the dogs' owner, Scott Sword, 41, at worst would likely be ticketed for allowing his three pit bulls to roam unleashed.

Those ordinance violations carry fines ranging from $20 to $200 per animal.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren said that more serious charges, such as reckless conduct, so far don't appear warranted because the animals hadn't bitten anyone previously or caused problems in their unincorporated neighborhood near Cary.

Officials also on Monday released a more detailed account of the maulings, emphasizing that the attacks weren't provoked by the two 10-year-olds. Four adults also were wounded.

Jourdan Lamarre and Nick Foley approached the house together Saturday and walked to the front door, which was a few inches ajar, Nygren said.

The children knocked at the door, and when Sword began opening it, one of the dogs burst through the opening, despite Sword's efforts to grab the animal, Nygren said.

Panicked, Nick ran across the yard and was attacked.