An 8-year-old Florida boy was "maliciously mauled" to death by dogs he stopped to pet while riding his bike, according to the sheriff.

On Monday, an 8-year-old Fboy was "brutally mauled and killed" after stopping to pet two dogs at the entrance of a Florida neighborhood, according to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

On Monday at approximately 4:55 p.m., in the Berry Ridge neighborhood of DeLand, while riding bikes with a friend, Michael Millett was fatally attacked by two dogs that initially appeared friendly, according to Chitwood.

"From a friendly encounter to the dogs becoming extremely vicious and violent, Chitwood stated in a news conference on Tuesday," said Chitwood.

The two dogs, which are a Pit Bull Terrier and possibly a Catahoula or another herding breed, bitten Millett 12 times.

Chitwood stated that he was uncertain about the duration of the attack but believed the boy's injuries, although horrific, did not cause prolonged suffering.

The sheriff stated that they will do everything feasible to hold the owner of these dogs accountable and ensure their destruction.

After being chased back to their property by deputies, the dogs were eventually taken into custody by Volusia County Animal Services, and VCAS Director Angela Miedema stated that the agency is waiting for the owner to sign the dogs over for "humane euthanasia."

The sheriff stated that all 12 of Michael's bite wounds have been swabbed for DNA, allowing us to definitively determine that the two dogs in custody are the ones responsible for his death.

According to Chitwood, the individual with the ability to appeal with due process has been arrested nine times in the past for charges related to drugs, domestic violence, and assault, and is known to law enforcement.

At the time of the attack and when the dogs returned home, she was not on her property, which is about half a mile away from where Millett was killed.

The investigation involves attorneys, and Chitwood stated that his top priority is to charge the owner and destroy the dogs.

"Accountability is necessary," Chitwood stated. "Proving negligence is the minimum standard."

Authorities were informed by neighbors that the dogs on the property frequently escaped due to the lack of a fully fenced-in area. Upon arrival, deputies and animal control officers observed this and took action to confiscate the dogs.

Chitwood stated on Tuesday that during the door-to-door canvassing the previous night, he heard harrowing accounts of the dogs' constant escapades, which resulted in the destruction of chickens. He also mentioned that the dogs might have been involved in another incident in a different county.

Although rumors circulated that the dogs frequently wandered, Chitwood stated that no 911 calls were made to the sheriff's office or animal services regarding the animals or their residence.

"Clearly, this didn't occur in isolation," Chitwood stated. "The dogs have been causing trouble in the neighborhood for some time now, yet no one contacted us."

The only 911 call related to Chitwood's dogs that he is aware of is the one made on Monday, where his mother can be heard screaming for help in the background during an attack on Millett.

She tried to stop the attack by jumping on top of him and performing CPR, but it was unsuccessful as he died at the scene. The dogs did not harm the mother or other children in the area, and Chitwood is unsure why Millett was the only one bitten.

The county medical examiner and a dog bite fatality expert are collaborating to gather additional information about the lethal incident, specifically which dog initiated the attack and which one inflicted the most wounds.

"As a dog owner, you have a significant responsibility to keep your pet safe and secure on your property, as well as ensure their socialization and training to prevent them from being a threat to others."

The GoFundMe for Millett's parents, established by family members, stated his death as a "tragic accident" and left a devastating impact.

"The loss of Michael has left our family devastated. Despite this, the fundraiser has raised over $40,000. Michael was known for his intelligence, humor, care, love, and adventurous spirit. His infectious laugh and warm presence will be deeply missed."