Cape couple wants dog that killed their pet to be put down

A South Yarmouth couple wants the town to take action against a dog that attacked and killed their 12-year-old Shih Tzu.

The Cape Cod Times reports that David Pratt was walking his two dogs, Jack and Jill, on Wednesday when they came upon a woman walking a Labrador retriever-pit bull mix and another large dog. Pratt says one of the dogs overpowered the woman and lunged at Jill, latching onto her head. The dog reportedly held onto Jill's head for up to a minute, causing serious injuries.

Pratt brought Jill to the local veterinarian. It initially seemed like Jill would survive the attack, but she later died after several hours of treatment.

Preliminary reports from animal control suggest that all the dogs approached each other and were sniffing around when the larger dog attacked Jill.

Pratt and his wife, Sandra, want the dog to be put down. The dog is under a 10-day quarantine as town officials investigate.

One of the owners must request a formal hearing in order for the town to become involved. The board of selectmen will then decide the dog's fate.

To read more: Cape Cod Times

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