Grandfather "hurting inside" over pitbull attack on boy, 9

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Jessyca Petell of Pittsfield has vowed never to go back to the house where her nine year-old son Perrin was mauled by a neighbor's three pit bulls Monday night.

Perrin's grandfather, Hugh Powers of Becket, had witnessed the horrifying attack on his grandson Monday, as the family returned to the apartment on Malcolm and Edward Avenues from a birthday celebration. As they went up steps to the back door, Powers said the pit bulls attacked the nine year-old.

Pointing to the area at the bottom of the steps, Powers recounted what he saw.

“They pinned him against the door. They weighed more than my grandson, they took him and the dragged him here, they actually dragged him out here, down the stairs over to this area here,” he said.

Powers told 22News that he is “hurting inside” after seeing the attack.

“It's so devastating, if you talk about it, you get emotional about it.”

Fortunately for Powers, his grandson is recovering. The nine year-old was treated at Berkshire Medical Center.

Pittsfield Police Capt. John Mullin notified 22News that the owners of the three pit bull terriers are Lori Rohde and Adam Pollack of 75 Edward Avenue. Mullin said there is no criminal offense involved in the case.

City Animal Control Officer Joseph Chague told 22News about what can be done.

“Really the only legal thing I can do is charge him with failure to restrain and failure to license the dogs. The rest of the scenario is a civil matter,” Chague said.

According to Pittsfield Police Capt. John Mullin, Police Chief Michael Winn has deemed the dogs as "vicious animals," and has ordered them restrained, removed, or disposed of as necessary. The dogs are currently on quarantine at the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter in Pittsfield.

Powers told 22News that it is a relief that they have moved out, and neither the boy nor his distraught mother will ever have to see the house where the attack happened again.