Even sweet dogs can become dangerous

They might be classified as man's best friend, but dogs are still animals with animal instincts that sometimes come to the surface - with tragic results.

"People want to treat them like people, try to put human attributes to them," said Darryl Scott, director of the Highlands County Department of Animal Control. "What it boils down to, it's still a dog."

Monday morning, in the Leisure Lakes area, two larger dogs reportedly snatched a small Yorkshire terrier away from its owner and killed it.

Highlands County Sheriff's Office deputies and members of animal control have since been combing the area in search of the dogs, which could be pit bulls, boxers or cur dogs.

"Nothing's really changed," Scott said Wednesday. "We've had several people call in with tidbits of information in reference to the dogs. At least the interest is out there and people will be looking."

Dog attacks have been on people's minds the last few days, both locally and across the state.

On Saturday, 20-month-old Dallas Lee Walters was mauled to death by a Rottweiler-Labrador mix during a birthday party in New Port Richey.

The dog was immediately euthanized after being turned over to Pasco County Animal Services.

Animal instincts

Scott said his agency is expected to investigate all dog bite cases. Breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers are often the ones people are quick to point the finger at.

The broadcast media can often be to blame for that misconception, according to Scott. He said news programs will show a stock photo of a pit bull when talking about dog bites, even if another breed is responsible.

Scott said the last bite they worked, the perpetrator was a Jack Russell terrier.

Dog attacks like the one Monday are nothing new, and it's something animal control employees in Highlands County and in communities all across the country have to deal with.

"That's just going to be an on-going thing," Scott said. "It's like the nature of the beast. Dogs are territorial. They have the alpha male syndrome.

"The big dog attacking the little dog is always going to be there."

Responsibilities of pet owners

Depending on how the investigation turns out, charges could be brought against the owner or owners of the dogs responsible for Monday's Leisure Lakes attack.

Lt. Keith Starling, with the sheriff's office, said there are two county ordinances relating to keeping dogs from running freely. Those who violate them can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The first ordinance makes it unlawful for any person, corporation or entity that owns or keeps a dog to allow the animal to, "roam, wander or run at large in, on or about any public streets, rights-of-way or places in the unincorporated areas of the county."

The second one requires all dogs to be on a collar or leash when out in public and under the direct care and control of a person, "sufficiently mature to care for, control and manage the dog."

Starling said, for example, that a leash attached to a 135-pound Rottweiler could not be handed to a 5-year-old child, based on the specifics of the leash law.

They are friends, but still animals

Scott recalled an incident last month where a woman came home to find her dog so excited to see her. The dog's excitement got the best of him and the woman suffered scratches on her arms.

"If you looked at them, they're really some bad scratches, but she was afraid we were going to euthanize the dog," Scott said.

The animal control director knows dogs make great companions, but urges against treating them like they're people. If the animal were to snap and something bad happens as a result, the owners are usually at a loss as to why, according to Scott.

"Everybody's got a breaking point," he said.

Anyone with information about Monday's incident in Leisure Lakes should contact the sheriff's office at 402-7200 or animal control at 655-6475.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Anyone with information about Monday's incident in Leisure Lakes should contact the sheriff's office at 402-7200 or animal control at 655-6475.