Thursday, September 16, 2010

Pit Bull Attack: Alleged Dog Owner Contacts Us

OHIO -- New developments in the case of a woman who was mauled by pit bulls Monday night.

A man claiming to be the dog's owner sent an E-mail letter to WHIO-TV and said the dogs broke through an exterior wall of the house while he was out of town.

The attack happened around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning. Linda McGaughey, 59, was walking her pet chihuahua near King and West Second Street in Xenia.

Two pit bulls attacked her and her small dog, she dropped to the ground to protect her pet while the pit bulls mauled her. Xenia police officers called to the scene said one of the officers shot and killed one of the pit bulls when the dog charged him and jumped at him.

McGaughey went to Miami Valley Hospital in serious condition with severe bites to both legs and one arm. She's since been upgraded to good condition.

Now, Xenia police are looking into a letter sent to WHIO-TV by a man claiming to own the dogs involved in the attack. The man signed the letter with just one name, writing "With my deepest regards, Pet Owner Anthony."

In the letter, the alleged owner said, quote, "I am very, very sorry for this unfortunate situation. Unfortunately, I am currently out-of-town on family-related emergency and will be returning as soon as possible tomorrow (Wednesday) morning."

The letter writer went on to say,"The police department, from their preliminary investigation, have informed me that although all the proper parameters have been met to properly contain the animals, they seemed to have been worked up enough to have broken through an exterior wall of my home, gaining their freedom."

"I am deeply distraught about the event that has occurred and I offer all my prayers and full support for her recovery."

Xenia police said they cannot confirm the writer of the letter is actually the dog's owner but they do hope to have the question answered sometime on Wednesday.

They may also review their evidence with Greene County prosecutors for potential criminal charges related to the attack.

(WHIO - September 15, 2010

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