ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
Orange County Animal Control impounded a 4-year-old pit bull Tuesday evening after witnesses say he mauled a Pomeranian to death.
"Everybody's upset, she was part of the family, she still is part of the family to us, it's just a shame," said Diane Wells, the mother of the Pomeranian owner.
Wells says her daughter was walking the dog on Miller Ave in Winter Park Monday evening when the attack happened, FOX 35 was there when animal control impounded the pit bull on Tuesday, and cited her owner, Bobby Smith, for failing to control his dog.
"She was inside of the house, she was inside the living room laying on the floor, it just so happened that a friend of mine came over and opened the door at a particular time and I guess she heard the little dog yelp or make a noise and that's when it happened," Smith said.
According to Smith, the dog ran out of a nearby house -- he says he tried to jump in and protect the 3.5 lbs. dog from his pit bull, but he says it was too late.
"I'm very sorry," Smith said.
Smith tells us his dog has also killed a cat, now animal control says a dangerous dog investigation will be conducted, meanwhile the precious Pomeranian's family says they're glad the pit bull owner is being held accountable.
"If he can't control the dog he shouldn't have the dog," Wells said.
Animal Control officials say after the dangerous dog investigation is complete; they will determine if that pit bull has to be put down. The pit bull owner was cited with one count of failure to control an animal resulting in severe injury and having a dog at-large.
