California: Pit bull kills chihuahua that came into its yard

CALIFORNIA -- A chihuahua died after four dogs escaped their back yards by breaking through a neighboring fence Friday morning in Visalia.

Visalia Police Department responded to the 800 block of south Fulgham Street after receiving a call regarding a pit bull attacking and killing a chihuahua. Animal Control arrived shortly after.

After an investigation, officers discovered that three dogs living in the 800 block of South Fulgham broke through the neighboring fence where a pit bull lived. The three dogs previously broke through the fence but were not aggressive toward each other.

All four dogs then broke through another fence, when the pit bull began attacking the Chihuahua, eventually killing it.

“The animal didn’t display aggression toward people,” said Richard Wright, senior animal control officer.

City ordinances still require Animal Services to place a vicious animal hold over the animal. The owner has the opportunity to petition the court to remove the hold, as long as they can ensure the animal will not get loose again.

Owners of the chihuahua asked that the pit bull not be euthanized, Wright said.

(Visalia Times-Delta - June 10, 2016)