Wisconsin: Pit bull which attacked and killed small dog will be euthanized

WISCONSIN --  A pit bull dog on Friday broke through a wooden fence and attacked a nine-year-old poochon (Poodle - Bichon Frise) dog named Snowball, not releasing the smaller dog until it was dead.

The pit bull's owner agreed to have it put down as a result.

Krayze attacked the other dog Friday morning around 8 a.m. in the 700 block of Thomas Street, said Wausau Police Capt. Matthew Barnes.

Krayze's owner authorized the dog's death, according to the police report.

"The city of Wausau does not order the euthanization any longer," Barnes said. "Many animal owners do recognize that their animal is dangerous, and they make the decision to euthanize the animal."

 

The Humane Society of Marathon County is still holding the dog, Krayze, and awaiting further instruction from the police, said Humane Society Executive Director Mary Kirlin.

After an incident such as Friday's dog attack, the Wausau Police chief will decide if the dog should be deemed dangerous or dangerous prohibited. Prohibited dogs cannot stay within the city limits.

"It's definitely a situation that we've dealt with before. But it's not a weekly or monthly occurrence," Barnes said.

Dog attacks, particularly those perpetrated by pit bulls, tend to draw attention. One attack in Wausau last year resulted in the death of another small dog and a local petition drive to ban pit bulls that hasn't gained much traction.

In Wausau last year there were 53 dog bites, according to data previously collected by Daily Herald Media from Wausau and Everest Metro Humane Officer Ashlee Bishop. Mixed-breed dogs account for 12 bites, the most of any category. Pit bulls were responsible for seven bites. And dachshunds, beagles, huskies, Labradors and German shepherds were each responsible for three bites.

Of the 10 dogs deemed dangerous in Wausau last year, four were pit bulls or pit bull mixes and two were huskies. The other dangerous dogs were a boxer, Labrador mix, shih tzu and a Rottweiler.

Krayze did not have a history of attacking humans but recently bit a puppy belonging to the same owners, Barnes said. Its owners were considering getting rid of the pit bull because of that incident, according to the police report.

Barnes urged residents to consider their pets strength and abilities when setting up fencing and other restraints. Krayze was vaccinated and licensed with the city.

"All of us who are pet owners must remind ourselves that dogs are animals, first and foremost, and we are responsible for keeping them and the public safe," Kirlin said. "Our heart goes out to the families involved."

(Wausau Daily Herald - July 7, 2015)

Earlier:

• Pit Bull kills small dog in Wausau