The owner of three dogs that mauled an East Meadow boy nearly to death has decided to have the animals euthanized.

Lawrence Kelly said through his attorney that he wishes his pets be put down rather than have a judge decide their fates. Kelly?s two rottweilers and bulldog pounced unprovoked on 4-year-old Matthew Henriques last week, hospitalizing the boy with severe facial wounds.

Carina Henriques, Matthew?s mother, says she is glad the dogs will be gone and not pose a threat to children anymore. Some animal rights activists feel the bulldog should be saved since it does not have the same temperament as the rottweilers. The dogs are scheduled to be put to sleep May 9.

Related Information: Dog involved in East Meadow mauling was deemed dangerous in 2004 East Meadow boy mauled by three dogs