Dog Attack: Owners Condemned for Fatal Attack

Dog Attack: Owners Condemned for Fatal Attack
Three Dogs Put Down After Attack
Family Sues Control Agency

In a tragic incident in Detroit, Michigan, the owners of three dogs were convicted for the fatal attack on Harold Phillips, a father of six children.

The attack occurred on January 29, 2024, when Phillips, 35, was returning home after shopping for a job interview.

Phillips was attacked by a bulldog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and an American Staffordshire terrier, less than a mile from his home near the intersection of Longacre Street and West Chicago Road.

The injuries Phillips sustained were so severe that doctors had to amputate one of his arms in an attempt to save his life.

Conviction of Dog Owners for Attack After Harold Phillips’ Death

Dog Attack: Owners Condemned for Fatal Attack – Photo: Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office

Despite medical efforts, Phillips passed away on February 2, 2024.

Roy Eric Goodman, 41, and his wife Trevina Quiche Goodman, 39, were convicted for the attack.

Roy Goodman received a sentence ranging from 30 months to 15 years in state prison, while Trevina was sentenced to three years of probation.

During the hearing, Roy Goodman expressed his sorrow to the victim’s family, saying tearfully: «To the Phillips family, I’m so sorry. I wish this had never happened. I’m so sorry.»

The attack occurred when the dogs escaped from the Goodman’s property through an unlocked gate.

Roy Goodman stated that he had left the dogs in the yard and, upon returning, discovered they had escaped.

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After hearing the screams for help nearby, Goodman rushed to the scene, managed to corner the dogs, and called 911. The three animals were captured by authorities and euthanized.

Harold’s widow, Shauntaye Phillips, expressed in a statement the deep impact of the tragedy on her family: “It’s painful to think about all the important milestones Harold will miss in our children’s lives. Our lives will never be the same.”

Victim’s Family Sues and Calls for Stricter Laws on Dangerous Pets

father, family, attack, detroit, sons — Photo: Facebook Screenshot

In addition, through their attorney, the family thanked the community for their support and stated: “We sincerely hope this tragedy serves as a reminder for pet owners to better care for their animals.”

The family also filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Animal Control agency, accusing the agency of ignoring prior warnings about the dogs’ dangerous behavior.

The case has sparked a debate about the responsibility of pet owners, especially in situations where animals show aggressive behavior.

Many in the local community are calling for stricter laws to control the ownership of dangerous dogs and to ensure preventive measures are taken.

Animal rights organizations have also intervened in the case, arguing that a balance must be found between public safety and the well-being of animals, avoiding indiscriminate punishments that affect all dog owners.

This dog attack case serves as a nationwide warning about the importance of safety regarding domestic animals and the responsibility of owners to prevent similar tragedies.

SOURCE: Click on Detroit / El Diario.