CALIFORNIA -- Animal control officers have received a pit bull mix believed to have attacked and killed a dachshund last month at Lodi Lake.
Three witnesses to the April 11 attack have positively identified the large pit bull and American bulldog mix, which was anonymously dropped off at animal control last week, said Animal Control Supervisor Jennifer Bender of the Lodi Police Department.
Animal control is still searching for the man who was with the dog during the attack.
Julia Dare of Lodi was walking her cinnamon-red dachshund Shelby through a parking lot at Lodi Lake when the larger dog struck. It broke loose from its collar and leash, mauling and eventually killing Shelby.
While Dare is still recovering from the sudden loss of her dog, she’s glad the dog believed to be responsible is unable to strike again.
“We can’t get Shelby back,” Dare said. “But I’m thankful that the dog has been found and is off the streets of Lodi.”
The dog is currently being held at the Lodi Animal Shelter until the city determines its fate. A city attorney will present the case before a judge, who will rule whether the dog should live or be euthanized.
Dare said she’s a dog lover, but believes this dog is a danger to people and pets.
“It should be euthanized,” she said. “I don’t think there’s any other option. I’m just thinking about what’s best for the dog and for the public.”
Dare is continuing to urge the city of Lodi to implement stricter leash laws, including requiring muzzles for certain dogs walking in public parks.
“I’m hopeful that the city can enact measures that will better protect our residents and pets, and help them avoid a fate similar to Shelby’s,” she said.
(Lodi News-Sentinel - May 4, 2013)
