Latest news with #MichaelMillett
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
School unveils tribute to boy who died in January dog attack
A Volusia County school is honoring a young boy who died following a dog attack earlier this year. 8-year-old Michael Millett died in January after two dogs attacked him in his neighborhood north of DeLand. McInnis Elementary School in DeLeon Springs recently unveiled 'Michael's Buddy Bench,' in Millett's memory. Michael's parents supported a state bill to increase oversight of dangerous dogs. It was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 21. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Dangerous dogs bill signed into Florida law
On Wednesday morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis put his signature on a new law to add more oversight and accountability to dangerous dog owners. The bill, known as the 'Pam Rock Act,' contains the following provision: An animal must be confiscated and impounded when it is being investigated as a dangerous dog and has killed a person or has bitten and left a mark that scores 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale. An animal that is subject to any other dangerous dog investigations must be confiscated and impounded. An animal control authority must notify the owner of the final order classifying their dangerous dog by registered mail or certified hand delivery. The owner of a dog classified as dangerous must obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000 and implant a microchip in the dog. The bill creates a third-degree felony for the removal of the microchip. An animal control authority must humanely destroy a dangerous dog that has killed a person or has bitten them seriously and has been surrendered to an animal control authority. The new law has a special meaning for the parents of 8-year-old Michael Millett, who was killed by a pair of dogs in his Volusia County neighborhood in January. Michel's family has spoken to lawmakers about what happened was in Tallahassee for Wednesday's signing. Michael's mother called this a step toward justice for victims of dog attacks. The law got its name from a mail carrier who was killed by a pack of dogs in Putnam County in August 2022. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida 'dangerous dog' bill: Parents of boy mauled to death by dogs optimistic bill will become law
The Brief Florida lawmakers passed the "Pam Rock Act," aimed at tightening regulations on dangerous dogs after the deaths of Pam Rock and 8-year-old Michael Millett. The law, awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature, would require dangerous dogs to be confined, microchipped, and insured. Families of the victims vow to keep fighting for even tougher penalties against negligent dog owners. DELAND, Fla, - Florida's dangerous dog bill is one step closer to becoming law. On Monday, the bill passed unanimously in the Florida Senate. The week before, it passed unanimously in the Florida House. Now, it heads to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk. What we know Florida's "Pam Rock Act," a bill aimed at strengthening regulations on dangerous dogs, has passed unanimously in both the state Senate and House. It now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis' signature. The legislation would require owners of dangerous dogs to securely confine their animals, ensure they are microchipped, spayed or neutered, documented in a statewide registry, and covered by $100,000 in liability insurance. Law enforcement would also be granted the same authority as animal control officers under the law. What we don't know It is still uncertain whether Gov. DeSantis will officially sign the bill, although supporters remain hopeful. It's also unclear whether the law's current provisions will be enough to prevent future tragedies, with some, including Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, arguing that stricter measures are still needed. The backstory The act is named for Pam Rock, a Putnam County mail carrier who was killed in 2022 by a pack of dogs with a known history of aggression. Michael Millett, an 8-year-old from Volusia County, was similarly mauled to death by two roaming dogs earlier this year. In both cases, no criminal charges have been filed against the dog owners. The families of both victims have now united to advocate for stronger legal protections. Big picture view The legislation represents a significant step in holding dog owners accountable in Florida, but advocates like Volusia County Sheriff Chitwood warn it's just the beginning. Community leaders and grieving families are calling for even harsher penalties in future legislation, recognizing that while the bill addresses immediate safety measures, broader change is still needed to protect residents. What they're saying The Pam Rock Act aims at strengthening regulations on dangerous dogs. The act is named after a Putnam County mail carrier who was brutally killed in 2022 by a pack of dogs – with a known vicious history. The Rock family is now partnering with Michael Millett's parents to fight for change. Michael, 8, was mauled to death by two dogs that were roaming his Volusia County neighborhood on January 13. The new law can't change Michael's fate, but his parents, Michael Millett and Tiffani Connell said it could save another family from heartbreak. "This is how we want him to be remembered," said Connell, pointing to photos of Michael on her T-shirt. "A smiling, happy, super funny, such an amazing little kid. Like just a little built-in best friend." No charges have been filed in Michael or Pam's cases. Michael's parents say it's a connection they never wanted but are glad to have the support. "Out of all people, they know how we feel," said Connell. The law would require dangerous dogs be securely confined, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and documented in a statewide dangerous dog registry. "It's almost more about holding the owner accountable, more so than the dog," said Millett. The law would also mandate dangerous dog owners to have $100,000 in liability insurance, and it gives law enforcement officers the same authority as animal control officers. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said it doesn't go far enough. "You shouldn't get a free pass because your animal never bit anybody before, and then it mauls a child to death," Chitwood said. "This is just the first step. You know there's a lot of other things we need to do to protect our residents from dangerous dogs." Chitwood testified before lawmakers in Tallahassee advocating for the law. He said this case sticks with him. "When I went to see Michael during the autopsy, it was one of the most horrific things that I've ever seen done to a child," Chitwood said. Chitwood and Michael's parents hope to fight for harsher penalties for dangerous dog owners in the future. According to Millett and Connell, from their front door, they can see the house of the person who owned the dogs that killed Michael. "They're free to live their lives and were suffering in the worst way possible," said Connell. The dogs have been euthanized. Chitwood expects Governor DeSantis to sign off on the bill. "How do you look at these families and know something was taken from them, that they'll never ever get back?" Chitwood asked. "Fingers crossed there's maybe a good chance that the Governor signs this by next week." Millett and Connell said they would gladly make the trip back to Tallahassee to be there for the moment. "Hopefully the Governor signs it, and then we can next year between us and the rock family will be up and Tallahassee again fighting for stricter laws," said Millett. What's next If passed, the law would go into effect July first. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Legislature, Michael Millett and Tiffani Connell, and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Dangerous dogs bill passes Florida Senate, heads to governor's desk
A bill to increase oversight of dangerous dogs has passed both chambers of the Legislature and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature. The bill, known as the 'Pam Rock Act,' passed the Senate Monday. An identical bill passed the House last week. The bill contains the following provision: An animal must be confiscated and impounded when it is being investigated as a dangerous dog and has killed a person or has bitten and left a mark that scores 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale. An animal that is subject to any other dangerous dog investigations must be confiscated and impounded. An animal control authority must notify the owner of the final order classifying their dangerous dog by registered mail or certified hand delivery. The owner of a dog classified as dangerous must obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000 and implant a microchip in the dog. The bill creates a third-degree felony for the removal of the microchip. An animal control authority must humanely destroy a dangerous dog that has killed a person or has bitten them seriously and has been surrendered to an animal control authority. The bill got its name from a mail carrier who was killed by a pack of dogs in Putnam County in August 2022. It was championed by the parents of 8-year-old Michael Millett, who was killed by a pair of dogs in his Volusia County neighborhood in January. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
Fundraiser for Volusia County boy killed by dogs seen as community unifier
This weekend, hundreds of people are expected to show up for a fundraising event for the family of a Volusia County boy who was mauled to death by two dogs. 8-year-old Michael Millett's death is having a major impact on the community. Now, people who didn't even know him or his family are stepping up to help in his honor. A charity motorcycle ride will be held Sunday, with registration starting at 9 a.m. at Sledz East Cycles of DeLand. From there, riders will have five stops along the way. Each stop will have raffles and fundraising opportunities. The event's organizer, Mary Shrader, didn't know the Milletts before this happened, but said after hearing his tragic story, she wanted to do more, and that message resonated with others. 'I think everybody in this community is and they're going to all show up on Sunday,' she said. Shrader says beyond this, she wants more people to understand the need for change when it comes to dangerous dogs. This is a personal issue for her, as her husband was also attacked by dogs 'If you're a dog owner, to be responsible as the owner, if you do have dogs that are vicious, to make sure to protect the community and to protect your dog that is your family member so nothing like this ever happens again,' she said. Michael's parents were at the Statehouse this week to testify in favor of a bill that enhances dangerous dog safety. It would strengthen laws for dangerous dogs and create stricter penalties for their owners. That bill, called the 'Pam Rock Act,' passed unanimously in the subcommittee and now has three more stops before going to the House floor. Shrader said she also hopes the event leads to more people backing that bill. 'To make the change that's needed by the laws to protect other families in this community,' she said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
