Police: Dog who attacked, killed papillion won't be euthanized

WARWICK, R.I. — Warwick police reported that they've found the blue-nosed pit bull and husky involved in a deadly attack on a smaller dog.

According to authorities, the owners brought the animals in Wednesday afternoon.

Animal Control Officers determined the husky was not aggressive, but the pit bull was impounded at a shelter until a vicious dog hearing can take place.

"It is the dog's first offense, so it will not be euthanized," the Warwick Police Department posted on Facebook. "Both dogs were current with all shots."

Stewie, a 4-year-old papillion, died due to injuries he suffered during the attack.

Police said the incident occurred Sunday while the two dogs were running loose in the area of Woguagonet Avenue and Willow Glen Circle in Warwick.

Michelle Noel, who is Stewie's owner, said she was walking her dog while visiting her sister at the Willow Glen Condominiums. She said the pit bull and a husky came out of nowhere.

The pit bull, she said, bit Stewie three times while the husky watched.

"He was completely ripped open," Noel said of Stewie. "All of his internal organs were exposed."

Stewie was rushed to a veterinarian, but died from his injuries.

Noel was visibly upset when she showed NBC 10 News where her dog was mauled.

"It happened right on the lawn over here," said Noel. "I have a knot in my stomach."

Noel said while she fears for small children and animals, she doesn't think the dogs are vicious.

"If the pit bull was vicious, he would have attacked me," she said. "I don't blame any breed. It's their instinct to go after small animals. It's the owner. The owner should have their dogs on a leash at all times or confined to their backyard or their house."

Still, Noel wants justice for Stewie, a little dog who she said helped her through a difficult time.

"He got me out of my depression," she said. "He got me up every day (and) made me so happy."

Now, a piece of her happiness is gone. She wants the pit bull's owners held responsible.

"I want them to be fined severely and have them find a new home for the dogs," said Noel. "I don't think this is the first time that they've been loose."

Police confirmed Noel's suspicions, noting that "both dogs have been spotted running loose before."

There has been no word on whether or not the owners will face a fine for violating the city's leash law.