Pekinese Puppy Mauled and Killed by Fence Jumping Pitbull

It was reported today, February 22, 2010, in Rochester Hills, Michigan that two pit bull dogs jumped the fence into a neighbor's yard and attacked two Pekinese dogs while they were playing in their fenced in back yard. This was witnessed by the owner Katherine Torchia, and her 13 year old son, Dylan.

The Pekinese dogs were grabbed by the back of the neck and bit and shaken like a rag doll, said Torchia. The pup, 8 month old Lacy was hurt so badly it was necessary to have her put to sleep the next day.

The owner of the pitbulls, Jason Cox, is in complete denial that these dogs are vicious and does not believe they would attack anyone. He says they do jump fences but have never attacked another dog.

The dogs were taken by the Oakland County Animal Control, but due to not having a court order were returned to their owner.

The Torchia family is very upset by the loss of their pet and the entire frightening experience. But they are verbalizing their concern that next time it may be a human that is injured.

The Torchia family and Jason Cox have a schedule court date of March 3, 2010

As a matter of record, the Rochester Hills Code of Ordinance states that a dog, any dog, including a pitbull, is not allowed to run loose, it must be in the control of its owner or an immediate family member. The ordinance also states that a dog is not to run at large or damage, attack, molest or bite a person or any other animal. The Rochester Hills city council will be looking at this ordinance to determine if any changes are necessary.

According to the Wikipedia:

"The American Pit Bull Terrier is the product of interbreeding between terriers and a breed of bulldogs to produce a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog. These dogs were initially bred in England, Ireland, and Scotland, and arrived in the United States with immigrants from these countries.

American pit bull terriers today successfully fill the role of companion dog, police dog, and therapy dog, however, American pit bull terriers in general have a higher tendency towards dog aggression and constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal dog fighting in the United States. In addition, law enforcement organizations report these dogs are used for other nefarious purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations, personal protection and use against the police, and as weapons."

The Pitbull has developed a very negative reputation due to it's aggressive nature and the questionable uses of this breed as mentioned above. People should know what they are bringing into their homes and be equipped to handle this dogs needs. This is an active dog which requires plenty of exercise and discipline and limit setting. The pitbull is able to be integrated into a family without problem if all are committed to its success.