Dog warden euthanizes pit bull shot along I-280

12/2/2005

A mixed male pit bull was euthanized yesterday after authorities said it was shot in the neck on the side of southbound I-280 between Front Street and Starr Avenue in East Toledo.

A witness said two men got out of a vehicle with a weapon and the dog and shot the canine about 3 p.m. The witness initially thought the men were going hunting, Tom Skeldon, the Lucas County dog warden, said.

The wounded canine was taken to the warden s office, and euthanized after it was determined the wound probably was fatal.

Mr. Skeldon said he was concerned someone may have been ignorant and angry, especially if the dog had just bitten a child or another dog. That s the height of inhumanity, he said.

Mr. Skeldon said there were no bite reports pertaining to the dog, which was described as white, eight to 10 months old, and without scars and tags. He will keep the dog for a few days in case anyone claims it.