Massachusetts: Pit bull euthanized on Cape Cod after mauling and killing smaller dog on walk

MASSACHUSETTS -- Aries, a 2½-year-old pit bull whose attack on a terrier mix out for a walk in February led to the small dog's death, was euthanized Tuesday afternoon, according to Yarmouth Natural Resources Sgt. William Bonnetti.

Aries' owner surrendered him to the town after the attack, which also injured the woman walking the terrier, and he was held at the Animal Inn of Cape Cod until Tuesday.

Bonnetti said town officials and the owner's lawyer consulted with local animal shelters, pit bull rescue groups and animal evaluators before officials decided Aries could not be placed in another home.

"The pit bull's owner wanted to make sure that all the options were looked into in terms of seeing if there was a chance to keep the dog alive," he said.

The pit bull was registered to Alexandra Collias at 2 Roberta Drive, according to the town's dog license registry. A message left at a number listed to her received no response Tuesday night.

At the time of the attack, the Division of Natural Resources had cited Collias for failure to restrain the pit bull.

Aries, who weighed about 60 pounds, attacked the 3-year-old, 12-pound terrier mix, named Doc, and the woman who was walking him, Christine Lovico, on the night of Feb. 1. 

Aries bit Lovico's hand and tore her clothing and bit and shook Doc multiple times. 

Doc died three days later after receiving treatment at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists in Bourne.

(Cape Cod Times - March 7, 2017)