Shelter holding killer dog yet to hear from its owner

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Kaua'i Police Department yesterday was still trying to determine whether to file charges against the owner of the mixed-breed dog that killed a toddler Saturday.

Assistant Police Chief Gordon Isoda said that the investigation into the dog attack is continuing and that no decision will be made until the findings are forwarded to the prosecuting attorney's office.

Isoda declined to identify the owner of the 40-pound, male beagle-mix that fatally mauled 17-month-old Trusten Heart Liddle when the toddler apparently wandered within the range of the chained animal. The child had been playing with his 6-year-old brother at a Moloa'a farm lot while his parents, Damon "Dove" and Raven Liddle, and grandparents, Greg and Sue Liddle, worked on organic crops there.

The dog remained at the Kaua'i Humane Society kennel yesterday. Dr. Becky Rhoades, humane society director, said she had yet to hear from the dog's owner.

Isoda said the fate of the dog will be determined after the investigation is completed. A decision must be made whether to seek a court order to have the dog declared a dangerous animal that should be humanely destroyed or securely fenced in an escape-proof kennel.

The victim's family, meanwhile, issued a statement through a friend asking for "peace and quiet while we mourn the death of our cherished loved one." The statement said: "We need time to begin to cope with this sudden tragedy. We appreciate your prayers."

The friend, attorney Susan Marshall, said the parents are "completely devastated" and their only request is for people to light a candle in memory of the boy at sunset.

Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.