CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Police and Animal Control units are investigating after a miniature pony died following an attack by two Rottweiler dogs on Wednesday, November 30.
Cathie and Michael Richardson live in the 3800 block of Baldwin Road in Chester. Mr. Richardson said he was in his home when he heard dogs barking. He said he looked outside and witnessed the dogs attacking the pony's face.
The pony, named Patches, keeled over, Richardson said, and the dogs began to attack its body.
Chesterfield Police and Animal Control responded to the scene and one of the Rottweiler dogs was shot by a responding Chesterfield officer.
The pony was euthanized after a responding veterinarian consulted with the family and said there was no chance for survival.
Patches, had been with the family for more than three decades, Richardson's family said, and they are very distraught over the death of their beloved family pet.
The owner of the dogs met officers at Animal Control and was given eight charges, confirmed Animal Control Officer Alice Berry.
- Two summons for running at large, up to $250 fine
- Two summons for no rabies vaccinations, up to $250 fine
- Two summons for no county dog license, up to $250 fine
- Two summons for depredation by dog, defined as “killing of livestock,” which could leave to a civil court case.
A judge would decide whether the dogs were killers and if the judge determined, “yes” the animals could be euthanized. Animal Control stressed that euthanization of the Rottweilers would be at the judge's discretion.
The person that was fined lives in a neighborhood that borders the neighborhood where Patches lived.
The owner has a court date on Jan. 18 in Chesterfield General District Court.
