08/29/2007

News in brief

Pit bulls attack and kill small dog

FROM STAFF REPORTS

BEAR LAKE — Four pit bull dogs are expected to be euthanized after the pack attacked and killed a small dog on a neighbor's porch.

Manistee County sheriff's officials are awaiting an order to destroy the dogs after they allegedly attacked a leashed Pomeranian on its owner's porch along Potter Road around 5 p.m. Monday, Sheriff Dale Kowalkowski said.

Police believe one of the pit bulls, allegedly a trained fighting dog from Mexico, did most of the damage.

"It just ripped it all to pieces,” Kowalkowski said. "It was sad. The dog was on its leash and didn't stand a chance.”

The reputed fighting dog ran off after the attack but was recovered around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Kowalkowski said the pit bulls, which were licensed and vaccinated, were left to roam while their owners were gone for the day. Two of the dogs are about 3 months old, officials said.

The county prosecutor is expected to send an order to destroy the animals soon. Police reports will be forwarded to the prosecutor to review for any possible criminal charges against the dogs' owner, Kowalkowski said.