[duffysmom]

Originally Posted by katezbox

The dogs were seen again yesterday and this morning trying to break into a screened lanai where two small Maltese were playing. They had collars, so not wild.

There are many theories as to what causes dogs to attack and not just other animals. "There was a news article a few months back about a 4 year old girl killed by the family’s Rottweilers. It was a truly sad situation and our hearts go out to the parents and family of this young child. Dogs kill between 10 and 20 people a year in the U.S. and most of them are children." For the rest, go here...

http://animalbehaviorassociates.com/...e-dog-attacks/

Again, calling my neighbor stupid and irresponsible is, in itself stupid, irresponsible and insensitive. We all feel we were violated and you are saying that she asked for it!

And where was her stupidity committed? In a home with a protective wall at the rear (CYVs behind) and two homes on either side. On the lower part of a cul de sac with nearly no traffic and three streets away from a main artery. So the odds are that in a 30 minute window she should have prepared herself for the possibility of attack by gators and crocodiles (though near no water), raptors of all types (though the kitty had the ability to hide in landscaping), and roving packs of wild dogs (even though they had never before been seen), coyotes etc etc etc.

A tragedy is just that - like an accident, there doesn't need to be someone at fault. Zoomer was rescued as a kitten and lived ten wonderful years with a caring family.

Kate, I also feel violated when I read the ignorant comments on this thread and the lack of understanding of what a pack (2 is a pack) of dogs who have killed their prey are capable of. Once they have experienced killing they will hunt down other prey as well. It's instinctual. The fact that they were trying to attack 2 little dogs is reason to believe that they are hunting and should be considered extremely dangerous. I would also be concerned that they would go after a toddler who was running as well. Running is a trigger. As Tal has stated, unaware dog walkers are also at risk. They would be no match for two fierce boxers. Hopefully the owner of the cat will call the radio station and ask that people be on the lookout for these animals and stay clear. My heart goes out to Zoomer's owner.