Dog Adopted Out by County Shelter (SCRAPS) 8-Weeks Earlier
Colton Kline, 4, was killed by a family dog in northeast Spokane, Washington.
Dog Adopted from County
UPDATE 12/06/23: The dog that killed Colton Kline was adopted from Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) on September 2, 2023. We stated in our last update that our nonprofit already had a Freedom of Information Request into SCRAPS. We submitted the request on November 11, and it remains unanswered. A family member has since shown us the adoption receipt for a male pit bull-mix, "Spud," (Animal ID 56428) that was signed by Dustin Block on September 2.
The intake for Spud was June 9, 2023. That is 3-months before he was adopted to Block. Because our FOIA, which seeks the dog's behavior, medical and outcome records (how many times the dog was returned), remains unanswered, we know nothing about these areas. We just know that Spud was in the shelter for 3-months and was advertised at an August 6 adoption event for $28. The family member also provided a photograph of Spud seen in Block's backyard after being adopted.
Neither Spokane city or county officials released to the public that Spud was adopted to Block 8 weeks prior to the dog killing Kline. Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) now joins 16 other tax-funded shelters in the United States since 2014 that have adopted out or transferred a dog to a rescue that subsequently killed a person. The average time period between these adoptions and the fatal attack is 3-months. Our list does not include dogs placed by "fosters" or "rehomings."
Shelter Dog-Inflicted Deaths
- 2023 - Spokane Co. Regional Animal Protection Service (WA) - Colton Kline, 4-years old
- 2021 - Animal Services Center, Mesilla Valley (NM) - Avery Jackson-Dunphy, 6-years old
- 2021 - Wake County Animal Center (NC) - Jayden Henderson, 7-years old
- 2020 - Miami-Dade Animal Services (FL) - Carolyn Varanese, 84-years old
- 2019 - Humane Society of St. Lucie County (FL) - Christine Liquori, 52-years old
- 2018 - Pinellas County Animal Services (FL) - Infant Khloe Williams
- 2018 - The Animal Foundation (NV) - Susan Sweeney, 58-years old
- 2018 - Logan County Pound (WV) - Robin Conway, 64-years old
- 2018 - Henderson Animal Shelter (NV) - Bradley Cline, 62-years old
- 2017 - El Paso Animal Services (TX) - Jacob Brooks, 4-years old
- 2017 - New York City Animal Care Centers (NY) - Margaret Colvin, 91-years old
- 2017 - Kent County Animal Shelter (MI) - Infant Susannah Murray
- 2016 - San Diego Humane Society (CA) - Infant Sebastian Caban
- 2015 - Jackson-Madison County Pound (TN) - Anthony Riggs, 57-years old
- 2015 - Asheville Humane Society (NC) - Joshua Strother, 6-years old
- 2015 - Rochester Animal Services (NY) - Anthony Wind, 26-years old
- 2014 - Branford Animal Shelter (CT) - Rita Pepe, 93-years old
SCRAPS Forced to Euthanize Fewer
SCRAPS has a 93% placement rate, qualifying it as a "no-kill" shelter. However, "no-kill" fanatics in the city of Spokane recently targeted SCRAPS for euthanizing too many dogs. Watch the statement by SCRAPS in late September that explains why SCRAPS will not adopt out dogs with an "untreatable threat to humans and animals," and why behavior euthanasia is the most humane solution. But even with this alleged "public safety" focus, SCRAPS still adopted out a dog that promptly killed a child.
It seems clear now why neither city or county officials released to the public that Spud was adopted out 8 weeks prior to killing Kline. The attack happened in the city of Spokane, just 4-weeks after city council members voted to force SCRAPS to stop behavior euthanasia for dogs that demonstrate an "untreatable threat to humans and animals." The resolution passed says SCRAPS can only euthanize an animal that is experiencing "physical pain" and this will need a licensed veterinarian's approval.
This situation is not unique to SCRAPS (See: No-Kill Eats Their Own: When the 'Badge of Honor' to Keep Serial Biters Alive Causes Rescuers to Devour Their Own). The reality is, there are so many dangerous dogs in tax-funded shelters today, that even no-kill shelters like SCRAPS have to make more behavior euthanasia decisions than ever. These involve dogs with observable severe and/or unpredictable aggression, unlike "Spud," who did qualify for adoption, but still killed a child.
Spud seen in a YouTube video with his SCRAPS kennel card (Animal ID 56428).
Left: Spud advertised for adoption event. Right: Spud in Block's backyard after adoption.
11/18/23: Dog Owner Jailed; Unrelated Offense
The owner of the pit bull that killed Colton Kline on Halloween is in jail after violating a court order. Dustin Block, 48-years old, appeared in a Spokane Superior Court Friday. In May of 2021, Block was arrested for possessing child pornography and voyeurism. According to court documents, Block's girlfriend at that time, discovered hundreds of pornographic photographs and videos on Block's personal computer. Police investigators determined that 14 photographs depicted minors.
When the dog attacked, Colton was with his grandmother inside Block's home -- the two are dating. She told police that Colton would stay at the home every other week. But Block was under a no-contact order for minors. If Block had followed that order, Colton would never have been in his home. Block was released without bond and is currently awaiting trial. "Had he not been there that night, he wouldn't have been attacked by that dog, and presumably would still be alive," the prosecutor said.
While Spokane police officers were at the scene of the fatal attack, they observed Block behaving extremely intoxicated. They observed him slurring words; and he was unable to stand. Block admitted to the officers that he was drinking wine when his pit bull violently attacked Colton. Prosecutors argued that the court should impose a $50,000 bond. But the judge set the bond higher at $100,000. Block is set to go on trial for the possession of child pornography and voyeurism next month.
KHQ reports the timeline differently. According to their review of court documents (that are not viewable to the public), the thumb drive of images depicting minors was found in Block's home in 2021. The allegations of what took place in the photographs occurred in 2015 with a victim who was 15-years old at the time. Block was first given the no-contact order this summer, not in 2021. It remains unclear if Colton's grandmother, who was dating Block, was aware of the no-contact order.
The Elephant in the Room
No information about the pit bull, or how or when Block acquired it was mentioned in the KREM report. The child's father posted in a Facebook comment that the pit bull had only been in the home for two months. Currently, our nonprofit has an outstanding Freedom of Information Request into Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), who took custody of the dog's carcass after the attack, in the hopes of learning which adoption or rescue agency, if any, Block acquired this dog from.
The history of Block is horrible -- the possession of child pornography. But a message, allegedly sent from the boy's grandmother to people on social media, indicate that even after she stabbed the dog, it repeatedly attacked the boy. "One lethal bite so strong I had to slit that dog's throat with a kitchen knife for him to release my sweet baby angel," she wrote. "I could not talk to 911 and fight the dog off because even after being stabbed, his throat cut, he came back to kill my baby 3 times," she wrote.
Colton was in the home of Block, who was violating a no-contact order with minors and was intoxicated at the time -- perfect! Colton was in the home of Block, who recently obtained a pit bull, a dog breed that has killed nearly 270 children since the 1980s -- perfect! Of course, Block wouldn't want a dachshund or beagle or 300 other non-pit bull breeds. Now, Colton is dead, the dog is dead, relatives are traumatized, and Block is heading into his criminal trial set for December -- perfect!
11/01/23: Family Pit bull Kills Child
Spokane, WA - A child is dead after being attacked by a family dog. Spokane police officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of East Walton Avenue at approximately 8:00 pm Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a child suffering life-threatening injuries by the family's dog. Officers "immediately began rendering aid," states a media release issued by Public Safety Communication Manager Julie Humphreys. The dog was severely injured by family members who intervened to save the child.
Child killed in fatal dog attackOn 10-31-23, just after 8PM, SPD responded to the report of an animal attack at a residence in the 900 block of E Walton Ave. Officers arrived and discovered a small child had been attacked by the family’s dog. Officers immediately began rendering aid, and care was subsequently transferred to SFD and AMR. Despite the efforts of first responders, the child succumbed to their injuries.
Family members’ valiant attempts to protect the child resulted in the dog being severely injured and beyond help, ultimately dictating that officers euthanize the animal on scene.
At this time, there does not appear to be any criminality involved in the incident, rather it appears this was a tragic accident. This incident occurred in a residence, and was not related to trick-or-treating activity.
Information of the victim will be released by the medical examiner’s office at a later date. SCRAPS took custody of the dog’s body. - Julie Humphreys, Public Safety Communication Manager
Officers euthanized the dog at the scene. Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) took custody of the deceased dog. The medical examiner's office will release the victim's identity at a future time. Roger Hammers, who lives next-door, told KHQ that a grandmother, grandfather and a 4-year old boy live in the home with a pit bull-mix. Roger is a nurse at a nursing home and was asked by the grandfather for help. Hammers witnessed the aftermath of the attack and the child's injuries.
"It was incredibly difficult to watch that little guy fight for his life ... There was a considerable amount of blood loss." - Roger Hammers
This boy's death marks the second fatal pit bull mauling in Washington state this year. Last month, in Kennewick, 65-year old Billene Cameron died after being attacked by two pit bulls that first attacked her pug "Diego." A neighbor witnessed the attack and climbed a 6-foot fence to help. He beat one of the pit bulls with his cane, allowing Cameron to escape inside her home. The second pit bull followed her into the home and continued the attack. No charges have been filed in connection to her death.
SCRAPS confirmed to KREM (in the video footage) the dog involved was a pit bull. A GoFundMe that identifies the child as Colton Kline has been created to help the boy's family with funeral costs.
The home in the 900 block of E. Walton Avenue where a boy was killed by a family dog.
View the DogsBite.org Google State Map: Washington Fatal Pit Bull Attacks.Related articles:
09/22/23: 2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Woman Dies After Vicious Attack by Two Pit Bulls in Washington
01/20/21: Victim Shares Account of Vicious Pit Bull Attack at Seahurst Park in Burien, Washington
10/14/20: 2020 Dog Bite Fatality: Pit Bull Attacks Two Adults, Killing One, in Moses Lake, Washington
Law enforcement departments across the United States should release consistent "baseline" information to the media and the public after each fatal dog mauling, including these items.
“SCRAPS took custody of the dog’s body.” This should have been “SCRAPS took custody of the dog’s carcass.” What you said, Colleen, also sounded fine: “took custody of the deceased dog.”
This may sound subtle to some people but it was elevating this animal. It doesn’t sound subtle to me at all – it was jarring. Dogs have been elevated too much in society today – it’s why dangerous ones are in people’s homes. They shouldn’t be allowed to endanger people by existing but instead they’re being coddled and people’s lives are being destroyed as a result. It was a worthless dog and its death doesn’t result in a “body”, just a carcass or a dead dog.
My sympathy for Colton and his family.
OF COURSE! A “family dog.” A FIGHTING DOG BRED TO KILL!
These pitbulls need to be outlawed for anyone to own
Why can’t parents choose safe dogs for their children’s pets?
How about a cat? It is well known that pitbulls are dangerous. They are not nanny dogs. They are killers.
They kill other breeds of dogs, cats, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and people of all ages.
Does this sound like a good, trustworthy breed of dog?
Certainly if people go to shelters to “adopt”, they will hear that pitbulls are great pets. However, they should research this on their own. Shelters don’t necessarily give correct information.
How sad this little boy had to die simply because his family chose the most dangerous breed of dog to be the family pet.
This is what I will NEVER understand, Don’t you RESEARCH a breed before you bring into your home? Especially if you have children? There are so many terrific, SAFE dog choices to choose from. These blood sport dogs need to be made to made illegal to own and go extinct.
Years ago while living in walla walla, I had a friend who raised three pit bulls from pups that he found behind a house … he kept in in his house … but they were Dangerous and could not be trusted. U had to be on your guard at all times. He finally got rid of em …
How many kids have to die by pit before it stops being an accident?
You only have to do five minutes of research to know how foreseeable this is.
It will stop being an accident when adults place a higher value on children than dogs.
There are so many safe, wonderful dog breeds. There’s no need for these blood sport creatures. They should be made illegal to breed and then go extinct.
It’s the same old story day after day, year after years. “The pit bull was never aggressive before.” “The child played with it.” Oh, what a terrible “accident.” The animal trainer made me spit nails with her lame excuse about the doorbell. How many other children were killed that night when the doorbell rang? (In fact, the police said it had nothing to do with halloween.) She also had the gall to say people should put barriers between their children and the dog. This is insane. These news stories always trot out some “expert” to make excuses for the killer. They miss a golden opportunity to educate parents about how dangerous these dogs are. That carnage in the kitchen must have been a real-life horror movie. God bless that little innocent boy.
https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/child-hospital-life-threatening-injuries-being-attacked-by-dog-east-walton-north-nevada/293-8893eabd-59c0-4d88-bf52-7cd07e68fb28
That dog trainer should be ashamed of herself for her dishonesty or incompetence. She has no idea why it attacked – really?
The only requirements to be a trainer are a heartbeat and a website. Your proctologist can be a trainer as a side hustle. Trainers are now more likely to be waving a clicker and spouting the nonsense of ‘positive only!’ training than any serious understanding of the nature of dogs. Yes, she should be ashamed, but I bet she is propped up by her cadre of APDT swill sellers.
A barrier- like crate and rotate?
Yeah, you don’t have to worry about things like this with NORMAL dogs.
Same old dog-centric, people loathing lame excuses by “dog trainers” news organizations tout as “experts”. Who in their right mind would harbor an animal in their home where you have to be concerned the doorbell will trigger the animal to kill you child/grandchild? It’s insane. How about people-centric experts to comment. Tell the truth. When you carry a bomb around in your pocket, it’s not an accident when it blows up and kills you.
Agree 100%!
The media should be warning the public about these dangerous beasts instead of downplaying it everytime.
Children’s lives shouldn’t be sacrificed or forfeited for the right to own a killer dog.
“ Roger Hammers, who lives next-door, told KHQ that a grandmother, grandfather and a 4-year old boy live in the home with a pit bull-mix. ”
That poor child didn’t have a chance.
The parents must be arrested, tried, and held accountable for either involuntary manslaughter or third degree murder or a lesser charge. People must understand if they choose to keep poisonus or vicious animals as “pets” and they attack someone they will be arrested and prosecuted.
Without the owners being arrested and prosecuted these killings will continue unabated.
It’s bad enough that little Colton was killed by a pit bull. To find out that the pit savage owner was also a pedophile is extra sickening. Why didn’t the Grandma do a simple background check on her “man” before allowing him around little Colton? Could it be because she is a trashy woman? Yes, that’s why. She lost custody of Colton’s mother (her daughter) and also stole from her daughter. Per daughters FB posts. Trashy dogs for trashy people. I hope the Grandma is arrested too!
Shelters don’t care one iota if a dog is dangerous! They’ve become pit/bully breed warehouses. Our Central TX shelters are using pop-up crates to house those savages. A whole lot of those savages are “unicorn” beasts. No kids, no cats, no other dogs, no visitors, no laughing, no crying, no breathing. It’s insane and criminal!
Some shelters do care. We are in the minority, to be sure. We are constantly accused of being uncaring and dog killers because we take public safety seriously. No kill is a horrific disaster.
We fortunately do have one hero Commonwealth’s Attorney here in Virginia. David Ledbetter of Waynesboro who prosecuted the grandparents of Olivia Grace Floyd after the child was killed by a Rottweiler in their home. Even a cursory reading of this case suggests that the grandmother should be charged with felony child neglect or endangerment.
Not every person can psychologically and socially develop to respects other peoples’ right to be and feel safe in our high density, modern environments. There are people who enjoy intimidating and harming other people. To help mask their anti-social desires they virtue signal, pretending to be so kind they save discarded dogs. Dogs they know will scare and harm people.
A society has to see through this deceptive sophistry to make society safe for people. Here in Toronto a woman recently said on CBC Radio she has stopped taking her child to the local park because it has become more dog friendly than child friendly. How did our societies become so anti-social? Is this a reaction against the accommodations domineering, egotistic people resent. Those who resent having to adapt can buy dogs to go around neighbourhoods making people feel unsafe to satisfy their resentment.
What could be more valuable to a civilized person than to value making people feel and be safe in their neighbourhoods? Why I do not consider animal shelters authentically humane. Very much the opposite. Why sites like this exist. To reveal the cruelty dog owners inflict on humanity. Hitler and Goebbels passed the most stringent laws protecting dogs in 1933. There is nothing new in this deceptive behaviour.
I’m not sure if you are aware of this study but it shows that as the time from adoptions progress the dogs become more aggressive to stranger, other dogs and the owners! I think there’s enough information on pit bulls that any parents who adopt one should know they are going to put their children in extreme danger!
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figures?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289356
The city of Spokane council members should be ashamed. Four weeks before this child was killed (most likely closer to savagely slaughtered) by a dog that likely couldn’t pass the Bullseye behavior test the council members voted to ban euthanasia for behavioral reasons. Now they have tied their own hands! They are responsible for this tragedy! Add to their idiocy the idiocy of the Governor of Washington state who did away with the ability of cities to ban Pitbulls! The reasoning behind this decision…
Not everyone can afford to buy a “nice breed”! So here we see what kind of dog you can get for $28. Was it worth it Governor Inslee? Was it worth it Spokane City Council members?
The no kill movement is misguided at best and madness at its worst which is what we see here.
When I first went to work in a county shelter all Pitbull and Pitbull mixes were automatically euthanized if they were not claimed by their owner. I still think that is an admirable policy but the county officials want to be re-elected regardless of the potential harm to the citizens they are supposed to represent. And, increasingly, shelter managers are politically motivated to fall into line behind the no kill movement. Disgusting.
If the spay and neuter crowd had been a little less adamant about friendly dogs having litters and a little more focused on what they were *really* worried about–massive amounts of pitbulls clogging up the joint–there’d be a lot more friendly mutts hanging out at the local dog pounds and a lot less pitbulls.
Add in No Kill and it was a recipe for disaster.
Just sayin’.
This poor little boy put in such a dangerous situation of human and animal predators by his own grandmother. Of course the sick pedophile chose the obvious pit bull instead of the sweet old Boston Terrier or the fluffy husky mix.
Thanks “No-Kill Act”, thank you SO much for encouraging shelters to develop a savior complex, lie about a dogs’ history, and sell the dogs to just anyone!
Are. You. Kidding. Me?
They SOLD (because that’s what it is) this *dangerous* apex predator to someone? A dog that murdered a child?
THAT’S the update?
{{{drums fingers on table}}}
…just here waiting for the massive lawsuit that closes that idiot shelter down for good.
Too bad some other kid will be mauled to get it done. Because there is nowhere in this world that children do not exist.