Decision to be Made on Dog that Killed Yorkie in Milton

A dog owner emotionally recounted an incident during which her Yorkshire terrier, Armani, was bit and killed by a pit bull that escaped from its East Milton foster home at a public hearing on Friday, July 26.

Milton Police Chief Richard Wells Jr. will now make a recommendation on the dog's future after hearing from the victim, Liveda Clements, the two-year-old pit bull's foster owner Julie Pearce and Rachele Huelsman, the founder of Last Chance K9 Rescue that saved the dog from a high-kill shelter in Georgia earlier this year.

Wells will make a ruling in the case in the next few weeks, and if he recommends euthanasia, a vote will need to be taken by the Board of Selectmen. The police chief said he knew the dog would not be returned to the Pearce family or to the Town of Milton. He also said she may not be returned to Last Hope K9 Rescue.

Wells started the meeting by saying he was not quick to rule a dog be put down, but concluded the hearing by saying, "As much as I don't like to recommend euthanasia, it's on the table."

On Sunday, June 2, Clements was walking her two yorkies near her home, which shares a backyard with the Pearce residence.

Bess, the pit bull, escaped from her foster home on Squantum Street when Julie Pearce's mother, who also lives at the home, opened the door to accept a delivery.

Clements, who was walking on Church Street, testified she didn't hear Bess approach until she was close enough to attack.

"This dog preyed on us," Clements said.

She tried to pick up both small dogs, but was only able to scoop up one before the pit bull bit Armani. Milton Animal Control Officer Nancy Bersani reported the dog's lungs were punctured.

Bess has been at the Milton Animal Shelter since the night of the incident. Bersani and two other individuals have evaluated the dog. Bersani testified she did not find the dog to be aggressive toward people.

Bess came to Milton through Last Hope K9 Rescue. She was thin and had pneumonia when she was surrendered to the Clayton County Animal Control in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Julie Pearce has taken in two or three foster dogs with the program since she discovered her autistic son has a close connection with dogs.

Pearce said with her elderly mother in the home she can no longer care for dogs while they await adoption, but she contends Bess is not normally aggressive.

"I would never bring a dangerous dog into my home," Pearce said.

Huelsman, who started Last Hope a year ago, proposed a placement plan for Bess. She asked that the dog be permitted to live with an animal behaviorist in Beverly, who would put her through an aggression training program.

"We hope you'll give Bess a chance," said Huelsman. "She's a great dog, who's been through a lot."

Wells said there are no criminal charges to be filed in this case, but Clements could take civil action. No matter the outcome, either party has the right to appeal Wells' decision.