Pit bull owner apologizes after dogs kill 12 neighborhood cats

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The owner of the pit bull terriers that have been terrorizing a Murray Hill neighborhood in Florida said she is having the dogs put down.

Neighbors said the dogs are responsible for killing at least 12 cats over the last month.

>> Read more trending news

On Friday, neighbors say, the dogs got loose and killed as many as 14 cats in the area. Video from a homeowner’s surveillance camera showed at least one cat being attacked.

"That's a violation of the law. No question about it," said Action News Jax law and safety expert Dale Carson.

Carson said the owners of the dogs will likely face fines and could even be charged with animal cruelty.

“That owner will be responsible certainly for this death that’s caught on video,” Carson said.

Neighbors said the dogs have been coming from a nearby yard. According to Action News Jax, all that was keeping them in was a three-foot high fence.

A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office report states the dogs are "pit bull terriers" and identifies the owner as Brandon Carlisle.

His fiancee', who has asked to be identified only as Autumn, sent Action News Jax a statement, reading in part:

“I would like take this time to reach out to the families of the kittens that my dogs unfortunately took their lives. I cannot for the life of me tell you how sorry I am. I am also a cat lover and was horrified to hear the news of such tragic events.

“I am authorizing to have both of my dogs put down to ensure this never will occur to anyone else’s pets or family. I would like, again, to sincerely apologize to all of my neighbors and ask them for their forgiveness.”

>> Related: Dog mauled, killed by pit bull at PetSmart during grooming appointment 

Action News Jax asked Animal Care and Protective Services for the reports coinciding with these attacks, and were told no reports or details are being released at this time as this is an active investigation.

Video from a homeowner’s surveillance camera showed at least one cat being attacked. (Photo contributed to ActionNewsJax.com)

icon to expand image

About the Author