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Family seeks justice after they say 'vicious' dog next door attacked, killed puppy

Pasco Animal Services investigating attack
Posted at 10:40 PM, Apr 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-10 23:10:10-04

A group of concerned Port Richey parents and neighbors want something done to protect their community from a dog they believe is dangerous. 

Many who live off Hibiscus Dr. are fed up after they say a shepherd mix attacked another dog Sunday night. 

Darlene Weisgarber became emotional while recalling what she saw happen Sunday night. 

Weisgarber says she watched in horror as her neighbor's shepherd mix, Brownie, darted into their property. 

"I was in shock, I was screaming," said Weisgarber. "He was so vicious. He wouldn't let up. He just kept after him and after him."

Weisgarber told ABC Action News that her family's 9-month-old doxin/chihuahua mix, named Phil, had to be put to sleep after suffering critical injuries from the attack. 

"You're saying goodbye to someone that you really, really love," said Weisgarber. 

Many neighbors spoke out Monday night, calling on animal control to take action to protect residents and other neighborhood pets. 

"I have two kids, so I'm afraid to walk them in front of the house," said Sarah Aquino. "I never know when it's around or when it's going to get out."

Pasco County Animal Services tells ABC Action News that it is investigating Sunday night's attack and an officer will be in the neighborhood Tuesday morning to ask questions and figure out exactly what happened. 

Officials confirm they cited Brownie's owner in 2016 after the dog attacked a human. 

"Why there wouldn't be more security for him, or whatever they do for dogs that attack other dogs and kill them," said Weisgarber. 

ABC Action News tried several times to reach out to Brownie's owner for comment, but no one at the house answered.