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Letter to the editor

Pit bull that killed dog gets clemency

But the owners of the dead dog say this isn't the end of the matter.

By JONATHAN ABEL, Times Staff Writer
Published August 18, 2007

TARPON SPRINGS - Ten days ago, Zeus the pit bull killed a miniature dachshund named Leo.

Zeus was quarantined at Pinellas County Animal Services while authorities investigated whether to put him to death.

On Friday, officials decided the 80-pound, white and tan pit bullterrier deserved another chance. As a result, Zeus was scheduled to be released from quarantine today.

But his owner, Sonya Berry, 35, said she won't take him back to her Tarpon Springs home because "it would cause too many problems for the neighbors."

Instead, she plans to return Zeus to his previous owner, a one-armed disabled woman who had trained Zeus to carry groceries and do other tasks. The woman, who also lives in Tarpon Springs, gave Zeus away six months ago because of her failing health, but after reading about this travails, she offered to take him back.

Clemency for Zeus, however, meant disappointment and anger for the Mailleses, who owned Leo.

Michael Mailles, 48, promised that Zeus' release won't be the end of the matter.

Attorneys have been "beating my door down and ringing my phone off the hook," he said, and he's looking forward to his day in court, though he's not sure what claims he would make in a suit.

The attack took place the evening of Aug. 8 on Grove Avenue. Leo was outside in his yard with the family's other dachshund, Max.

Zeus entered the yard, and the two dogs chased him out into Zeus' yard.

The pit bull snapped, fatally mauling the 23-pound Leo. Two neighbors also were hurt in the scuffle.

Initially, Berry said Zeus should be destroyed. But she then changed her mind.

Welch Agnew, assistant director of veterinary services for Pinellas County Animal Services, said the law is clear in this case. Zeus did not qualify for euthanasia because this was his first reported incident of violence and the attack happened on his owner's property.

Animals deemed dangerous by the county can be euthanized, subject to an appeal by the owner.

Dogs can be classified as dangerous if they severely attack a person or leave their owner's property more than once to kill another domestic animal. Dogs that have been used in fighting are also classified as dangerous.

"It's a sad situation," Agnew said of Zeus and Leo.

Times staff writer Carrie Weimar contributed to this report. Jonathan Abel can be reached at jabel@sptimes.com or 727 445-4157.

[Last modified August 18, 2007, 01:03:51]