Man puts tiny Chihuahua in large dog section of dog park and it ends up being killed

NORTH CAROLINA -- A Chihuahua was euthanized after being severely bitten by a larger dog last week at the Tanglewood Park dog park.

The Chihuahua’s owner also was bitten by the female Newfoundland as he removed his dog from the larger dog’s mouth, authorities said Wednesday.

The Chihuahua was in the park’s area for large dogs when the attack occurred, according to a report by Forsyth County Animal Control.

The park has a separate area for small dogs, with signs marking the areas.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Herminio Ghislandi of Davidson County had brought his two Newfoundlands, Bella and Drubbie, to the dog park.

Ghislandi said Wednesday that his dogs were playing in the large-dog area with other dogs. All the dogs’ owners were nearby, he said.

Joseph Borlik of Advance also was at the dog park with his Chihuahua, according to the animal-control report.

Borlik couldn’t be reached Wednesday for comment.

Ghislandi said he saw a man carrying a small dog in the large-dog area. The man sat down on a bench, still holding the dog, Ghislandi said.

The man eventually put the Chihuahua on the ground. The Chihuahua began crying loudly, and Bella and some other dogs went over to it, Ghislandi said.

Ghislandi said he then saw the man hit Bella on the head.

“I went to see what was happening,” Ghislandi said.

Ghislandi said he didn’t see any wounds on the small dog, but saw blood on the man’s shirt. The man then carried his dog back to his vehicle.

Ghislandi said he didn’t see his dog attack the Chihuahua.

“I feel very bad, but what can I do,” Ghislandi said. “I’ve had my dog for two years, and she has never had any problems with other dogs.”

Ghislandi wasn’t cited by animal control for the incident, but his dog has been quarantined at the Forsyth County Animal Shelter, said Tim Jennings, director of the Forsyth County Animal Control.

Jennings said he didn’t know the fate of the Chihuahua, but WXII reported that it had been euthanized.

Authorities are checking to determine whether Ghislandi’s dog was up-to-date on its rabies vaccination. Ghislandi said Bella was vaccinated for rabies.

Bella will likely be declared a dangerous dog. Ghislandi will be able to keep the dog, but he must meet certain conditions for owning a dangerous dog, Jennings said.

Bella should be returned to Ghislandi by Saturday, Jennings said.

(Winston-Salem Journal - Oct 2, 2013)