Two small dogs mauled and killed in separate pit bull attacks

CANADA -- Two small dogs are dead following two unrelated, but nearly “identical” attacks by two other dogs over the weekend.

In both fatal attacks, the dog killed was a small Shih Tzu type breed, and the dog who attacked is believed to be a pit bull, said Alvin Murray with the city’s animal and bylaw services.

Charges are pending in both situations.

“They’re two completely different incidents,” said Murray on Sunday, noting the circumstances of each skirmish are almost identical.

The first fatal attack happened shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday when a pit bull was being walked off leash in the northeast community of Martindale.

Two small Shih Tzu Bichon cross-type dogs were being walked on leash when the pit bull attacked the small dogs, fatally injuring one of them, Murray said.

“One dog died,” he said.

Murray said bylaw officials are still trying to figure out who owns the pit bull and charges are pending.

The second fatal dog attack happened on Sunday afternoon in the northeast community of Skyview Ranch.

Acting Det. David Fakas said police received a call shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday to the area of Skyview Ranch Way by Skyview Ranch Road N.E.

“The dogs were out being walked and one dog attacked another, killing it,” said Fakas.

Murray said the dog killed was a Shih Tzu that was being walked off leash.

He said preliminary information shows the small dog suffered fatal head wounds by a pit bull that was being walked on leash.

“The little dog ran up to the pit bull, and the pit bull attacked,” he said.

Murray said officials have a name and phone number of the pit bull’s owner and are investigating.

In both incidents, each pit bull could be seized, and multiple charges are pending against each pit bull’s owner, Murray said.

(Calgary Herald - May 10, 2015)