Oswego Man Charged With Animal Cruelty After Dog Bites Child

OSWEGO, IL — Police in Oswego say 46-year-old Shaun J. Manning has been charged with cruel treatment to animals, failure to quarantine, and violation of owner duties — all misdemeanors — after his pit bull terrier attacked a 4-year-old child in November.

The incident happened around 7 p.m. on Nov. 21, according to a news release. The child was taken to a hospital where he was treated for severe injuries to his face, police said. After the attack, Manning allegedly released the dog from his house and has not seen him since. Police say neighbors have not reported the dog at the house since November, and authorities have received no reports of a loose dog matching the pit bull's description.

Prosecutors filed charges against Manning on Dec. 28, saying that he abandoned the dog where it may become a public charge or suffer injury, hunger or exposure, failed to quarantine it after it bit a person, and failed to provide proof of the dog's inoculations.

Manning is due in court on Jan. 9. As in every case, charges are merely accusations, not proof of guilt.

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