Friday, Oct. 12, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (AP) -- A judge in Effingham County has appointed a lawyer to represent a pit bull dog accused of attacking a 5-year-old boy.

Superior Court Judge William E. Woodrum Jr. appointed Springfield attorney Claude M. Kicklighter to represent the dog, named Kno.

The Savannah Morning News reports that the judge appointed the lawyer for the dog "in the interest of justice."

The lawyer will represent the dog in what is essentially a death penalty case, since authorities are considering whether to euthanize the animal.

Kicklighter, who is not receiving a fee, was also ordered to represent the dog's owners.

Kno is accused of attacking Wesley Frye on July 24 while the child was playing with another child inside a neighbor's home. The boy underwent two surgeries after the attack.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)