Turns out that the person who had the pit bull microchipped gave it away. And then that person gave it to someone else, said Allison Barrows, operations manager of Marion County Dog Control shelter.
"We are now on our third person," she said. "We have a phone number but have not talked to anyone."
She said the dog is about 4 years old, a neutered male and wears pinch and leather collars. It's in a kennel at the shelter by itself but has not barked or been aggressive when other dogs walk by. It appears to get along with people, too.
"He's been really friendly to us," she said. "We haven't had any issue with him."
The dog was recovered by authorities after a fatal attack in Salem on Wednesday about 9:40 p.m.
Belinda Joye, who lives in the 500 block of Tryon Avenue Northeast, opened her back door to let her long-haired white chihuahua into her unfenced back yard. The pit bull, which had never been seen in the neighborhood, pounced, bit the chihuahua's head and shook it violently. Joye tried to pull the pit bull off and was bitten herself.
When Salem police arrived, two people were restraining the pit bull. The chihuahua was dead and Joye was treated at the scene.
It's not clear what provoked the attack.
"Dogs will do incredible things when they're scared or startled," said Lt. Dave Okada, spokesman for Salem police.
By instinct, they chase after little critters.
"If something is little and fluffy and is running, that's fun for them," said Barrows. "It's unfortunate that all this happened."
Many people consider pit bulls aggressive but other breeds attack as well.
"The other day we had a Golden Retriever that bit a kitten," Barrows said. "Pit Bulls aren't the only ones in this situation."
Once the owner is located, officials will try to determine what happened. There's no leash law in Marion County but owners are obligated under the law to keep their animals under control. A reckless owner could face sanctions, Barrows said.
Anyone with information about the pit bull or its owner should call Salem police at 503-588-6123 or Marion County Dog Control at 503-588-5366.
(Oregon Live - July 7, 2011)
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