Two dogs sought in the death of a horse in San Marcos have been caught and relinquished for euthanasia, San Diego Humane Society said Thursday.
The dogs were believed to be on the loose since the Saturday attack on Fulton Road in San Marcos.
Bill Barclay grabbed a shovel when he saw the dogs attacking his horse, Smokey. When Barclay went to get a gun, the dogs ran off.
Smokey’s injuries were so grave he had to be put down following the attack, Barclay said.
Escondido Humane Society officials picked up the dogs and took them to a nearby emergency vet hospital. Through the micro-chips, the dogs were tracked to their owner who took them home.
“After being picked up from the hospital, due to some errors at the home, the dogs were allowed to escape once more,” San Diego Human Society’s Chief of Humane Law Enforcement, Steve MacKinnon said.
An anonymous tip led law enforcement officers to the dogs being held by the owners at an other location.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
"The owners relinquished both dogs to San Diego Humane Society last night for humane euthanasia," the agency said in a written statement.
Investigators will determine if the dogs are at fault and if they are found responsible, they will be put down. There is no timetable for that at this moment, officials say.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated the dogs were caught and euthanized. The dogs have been relinquished for euthanasia, officials said, and investigators will determine if they are at fault. If they are, they will be euthanized.
