West Chicago pit bull attack injures 83-year-old, kills dog

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- A pit bull attack allegedly left one dog dead and its 83-year-old owner injured in suburban West Chicago, police said.

Bonnie Price and her dog Toto were walking down the street Tuesday when two pit bulls allegedly attacked them, jumping on to Toto and knocking Price over, police said. Toto, an 8-year-old Yorkie, died after the attack.

"He would not let go, I was screaming for help and I was trying to get my hand in there," Price said.

The pit bulls allegedly bit Price's hand and legs, police said. Some neighbors said they witnessed the attack and tried to help.

"I ran into this other house's garage and grabbed a shovel and started hitting the dogs in the head - maybe sounds inhumane - but they were mauling her and she was screaming," said Chris Dubos, a witness.

Neighbors said the pit bulls came from a house down the street, where the owner has several as part of a dog rescue operation.

Laura Ekstrom said the same pit bulls allegedly attacked and killed Macy, her 12-year-old Papyon-poodle mix.

"It's heartbreaking, she was with us 12 years, but it makes me angry, this did not have to happen," Ekstrom said.

West Chicago police have quarantined the pit bulls for the next 10 days. Price said the only way to make sure they don't hurt anyone else is to euthanize them.

"He came to me when I was ill, he was a buddy all the time, we were together all the time, doing everything together," Price said about Toto.

Police have not said whether or not they plan to press any charges against the owners of the pit bulls.