For years, Marianne Reeves enjoyed taking her Chihuahua named Rizzo to South Euclid’s dog park.
But after what happened in the park recently, Reeves said Tuesday she will never take her other dog there again.
Reeves told police a husky that wasn’t being monitored, grabbed and started shaking her dog “like a rag” tearing the dog's stomach open.
Rizzo died while Reeves rushed Rizzo to an animal hospital.
"The hardest part was hearing her scream and seeing her bleed," Reeves said.
South Euclid Police charged Ariel Shaw with a misdemeanor for not controlling the husky named Sigma and labeled the husky a vicious dog, which could mean pricey insurance and a ban from the park.
Police said Shaw was watching the husky for her cousin who owns the dog.
The husky's owner said the attack was an accident and the Chihuahua provoked the husky.
Rizzo’s owner disagreed.
"The attack was not provoked. I was standing there. It was not provoked. The husky went for her again and this time he got her in his mouth it was so fast," Reeves said.
South Euclid Police Chief Kevin Nietert said there’s no evidence the attack was provoked and reminded pet owners to control and monitor their dogs.
"I don't think the size is the issue. I know there's been some discussion that large and small dogs shouldn't mix but to me it's more of an issue of owner responsibility," Nietert said.
Reeves has another dog, but said she will never go to the dog park again. She has advice for pet owners and parents.
"If dogs go after a child, that's a danger that's a public hazard," Reeves said.
A sign posted at the South Euclid dog park alerts visitors that children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the dog park.
Reeves said kids are there all the time.
Ariel Shaw, who police said took the husky to the park for her cousin, is due in South Euclid Municipal Court Wednesday and did not return phone calls.
(NewsNet5 - April 3, 2012)
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