A 2-year-old Cockapoo named Rocco was fatally attacked by two dogs in northwest Miami-Dade Saturday while on a walk with his owners.
For Ana Grullo and Almida Resto, Rocco, was more than a just a pet. He was like family. Rocco's owners say the small dog was attacked by a neighbor's dogs who were much larger and off-leash.
"He was full of blood, and taking his last breaths," Grullo said, recalling how she lifted her pet from the ground.
"I could not believe it. He was there with me 20 minutes [earlier]," said Resto. She ran outside to help the screaming Grullo.
"I just saw the two dogs chewing, taking pieces of my dog's neck," Resto said.
The women said as they tried to save their pet, the canines, lunged at them. Grullo showed NBC 6 the marks on her hand that she claims she sustained as the dogs tried to bite her.
"It was a brutal attack and an unnecessary attack," Resto said.
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Miami-Dade Animal Services reported to the northwest Dade neighborhood, speaking to both parties involved. The breed of the dogs is unclear. Their owner declined comment.
His dogs will be quarantined on the property for 10 days, as the investigation begins.
"Meaning like time out," Resto said.
According to Luis Salgado of the animal services, the owner of those two dogs was cited $1,000 because the dogs got out of the property and killed a domestic animal.
Neither dog had current rabies shots so he received two additional citations of $165 each.
Rocco's owners will try to prove the dogs are dangerous. If Miami-Dade animal services agrees, the owner would be required to pay a $125 yearly fee to register them as such, post signs to warn passersby of the danger, and keep them in a kennel. They would also be required to wear a muzzle when outside of the home. But these women fear it won't be enough.
"My wish would be for the those dogs to be removed, completely," said Grullo.
"What does it take. What's next?" Resto asked.
According to Miami-Dade Animal Serives, when the dangerous dog investigation is complete, there could be additional citations added and more action taken in this case. The investigation could take weeks.
