Tonawanda News

Local News

December 2, 2008

CITY OF TONAWANDA: Dog that injured infant will be euthanized

By Dave Hill<br><a href="mailto:hilld@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Dave</a>

The 6-year-old Staffordshire terrier that attacked a three-month-old boy in the City of Tonawanda will be euthanized, Detective Tim Toth said Tuesday.

The family made the decision following a vicious attack that occurred Sunday afternoon and which left the baby with life-threatening injuries.

Toth reported Monday that the boy was resting comfortably after undergoing emergency surgery at Women and Children’s Hospital. He said Tuesday that the infant’s condition has not changed.

The other family dog, a pit bull, that was in the house at the time of the attack, is still being held at the SPCA in the Town of Tonawanda. Police do not believe that dog was involved in the incident.

Staffordshire terriers are known for being affectionate toward children, according to the American Kennel Club.

Meanwhile, City of Tonawanda officials lauded an off-duty city firefighter for his efforts in saving the infant’s life.

Fire Capt. Robert Hassett, 44, lives just around the corner from the Gath Terrace home where the attack occurred.

Using his take-home vehicle, which contained life-saving medical equipment, Hassett raced over to the home immediately after hearing the call come over his home scanner.

Before emergency responders arrived, Hassett had already applied an IV and other life-saving measures, which police credit with preventing a tragic loss of life.

Mayor Ron Pilozzi said he called Hassett Monday to congratulate him. “If you know Rob Hassett, he wasn’t willing to take any congratulations,” Pilozzi said during Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, adding that Hassett credited the entire team of first responders.

Pilozzi also said that it was Hassett’s take-home vehicle that made a big difference in the positive outcome. “If he didn’t have that take-home vehicle, that baby could have died,” he said.

“I’m sure his quick actions more than likely saved the life of that little child,” added Councilman Rick Davis.

Council President Carleton Zeisz said he knows Hassett as “Robby” from his younger days. “It’s great to see someone from your community...grow up and become a vital part of that community,” Zeisz said.

In other business, the Common Council approved hiring Auctions International of Buffalo to conduct a sale of various city properties on which real estate taxes are overdue. The sale will take place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in Tonawanda City Hall.

Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.

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