WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — The owner of a young pit bull who police said attacked and killed a small dog in Warwick last week has been allowed to keep the dog, but with restrictions.
According to police, a woman was walking her Papillon named Stewie in the area of Woguagonet Avenue on Jan. 3 when a pit bull and a husky approached, neither of which were on a leash.
The owner said the pit bull “just grabbed Stewie and took him by the neck and started shaking him.” Stewie later died from his injuries at an area animal hospital.
After hearing testimony about the attack, a three-member panel deemed the 1-and-a-half-year-old blue nose pit bull to be vicious.
The panel imposed the following requirements for the owner, who has thirty days to comply.
- $100,000 minimum insurance
- Tattoo or microchip
- Install a warning sign
- Notification of the police department if the dog is loose
- Leash and muzzle required if dog is off owner’s property
- Leash or enclosed area required if outside on owner’s property
- Owner cannot give away or sell dog
- If owner moves, both cities or towns must be notified
The panel consisted of a member of the Warwick Police Department, a member of the SPCA and a third member chosen by both organizations.
The owner was also issued a municipal court violation for two counts of breaking the city’s leash law, which carries a $30 fine.
