"She was tearing her up": N. Augusta veteran mourns loss of beloved pet after dog attack

Monday, Feb. 18, 2019

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- A third dog attack in the last 4 months in North Augusta has residents a little more vigilant.

This most recent attack was against a Chihuahua, Callie, that was being walked by Mike Leopard on Saturday in

Leopard is understandably sad but equally frustrated how the dog, a pit bull, was able to get out of a fenced backyard.

“I mean, she was just tearing her up,” Leopard said of the attack. “The first bite was around the neck, and then was around her mouth and she broke the jaw.”

Leopard’s dog had to be put down due to the trauma.

“She wouldn’t turn her loose,” Leopard said.

Leopard’s neighbors deeply regret what happened, offering their “sincerest apology” for what happened.

“I know there are no words that will heal or fix this moment,” the neighbor said, “but I wanted to let you know how deeply sorry I am.”

Callie was no service or therapy dog, but was definitely a source of support to Leopard, a retired veteran.

“She loved me, and I loved her,” Leopard said. “She slept with me.”

Leopard did file charges against the neighbor in this case. The pit bull’s owner will now go to court, where a judge could determine if the dog is a danger. The pit’s owner could also surrender the dog before court.

If the dog is found dangerous, the owner would be required to get $50,000 in liability insurance and register the dog with Aiken County.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, animal enforcement officers usually visit the property of a potentially dangerous animal and issue warnings if needed. Officers only intervene when there is a threat to the public.