Pit Bull Child Discipline

Couple faces jail time for letting dog attack children as discipline
Associated Press

AP
David Hoskins

AP
Joyce Hoskins
HILLSBORO, Ore. -- A couple face at least three years in prison for disciplining their young children by letting their part-pit bull dog attack them.

Joyce Hoskins, 47, and David Hoskins, 46, pleaded guilty Friday to three counts each of assault and were being held without bail.

Investigators said the couple disciplined their 8-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son by allowing their dog Nigel -- a mix of pit bull terrier, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd and Labrador retriever -- to attack them.

The attacks took place over two years and both children suffered bites that required treatment, investigators said. The children are now in foster homes and the dog has been euthanized.

Neighbor Voight Barnhardt said he called police during an attack on March 19.

"There was a kid crying and a dog ripping her to pieces," Barnhardt told The Oregonian. "It was bloodcurdling."

The girl required stitches for tears and puncture wounds in that attack, The Oregonian reported Saturday.

Barnhardt's call led to an investigation and the couple were jailed May 25.

Judge Marco Hernandez said he would sentence Joyce Hoskins to no more than three years, two months because she has limited mental capacities. Deputy District Attorney Andrew Erwin said he would argue for a longer sentence for David Hoskins.

Sentencing was set for Sept. 23.