Brian Robinson told 10News he was on his front patio when he saw the pit bull dart across the street and into his driveway, where his two granddaughters and the little dog, Roxy, were playing.
"Next thing you know, I saw Roxy get thrown up in the air and the dog's mouth was on her and she was just shaking her like, 'Oh no!" said Robinson.
He and several neighbors and family members ran to Roxy's aid and she was rushed to a veterinary hospital. Eighteen stitches and $1,600 later, Roxy is recovering, and the pit bull is at a county animal shelter.
The owner of the pit bull, Maurice Belasco, said he wanted to apologize if his dog did attack the other dog.
"No, she wasn't chained or fenced, but I suppose she did get out," said Belasco.
Belasco will receive at least two citations and could be legally liable for the veterinary bills.
County Animal Control officer Darrell Hanson said that after the initial report, "We attempted to locate the dog and were unsuccessful. [We] received another complaint this morning about the dog running at-large. I located the dog a couple of blocks from here."
The agency reports an overwhelming number of calls this summer and that the staff is down almost 20 percent. The officers are then assigned on a priority basis.
The pit bull was hauled away to be evaluated, and Belasco said he will attempt to retrieve his pet.
The dog could be returned to him, it could be put up for adoption or it could be labeled as too dangerous and destroyed, according to animal control officials.
(10News - July 29, 2011)
