Kildeer homeowner wants dog removed after attack

The owner of a Yorkshire terrier injured in an attack by a pit bull mix says she wants the dog removed from her Kildeer neighborhood.

"It does not belong in a neighborhood where there are children and pets," says Linda Meyer, whose 5-pound terrier suffered broken ribs and vertebrae. "It belongs on a farm."

Kildeer Police Chief Jeff Lilly says the pit bull mix is quarantined at a Lake County Animal Control facility. It is the second time since 2006 the dog has confronted another animal, he said.

"We have had past instances of the dog being loose," Lilly said. "That was resolved."

Its owner, Peter Laskowski, did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Meyer said Laskowski's dog entered her yard on Meadow Lark Drive about 6:45 p.m. on July 26 while she and her family were grilling. Their dog, Sam, was in the yard and growled at the intruder. When she reached to remove her dog, Meyer said, the pit bull grabbed the terrier by the back and shook him violently.

The pit bull mix "had his head in the air, just ripping (Sam) back and forth," Meyer said. "It was just horrendous."

Her 15-year-old son, Doug, saved the day when he swung at the dog with a baseball bat. The attacking dog dropped Sam and ran away, leaving the terrier with bite wounds, crushed ribs and a vertebrae broken in three places, Meyer says.

Anthony Smithson, director of environmental health at the Lake County Health Department and administrator of the animal control program, says the owner of a dog that bites or injures another dog is responsible for those veterinary bills.

Smithson said the pit bull mix will be monitored to determine if it is vicious. If it is, a court can order it confined or euthanized.

So far, Laskowski has been fined $25 for having his dog off a leash. If Smithson determines the pit bull mix is dangerous -- a finding different from vicious -- he'll order the dog be neutered and microchipped. It must also be in direct supervision when off the owner's property.

That doesn't go far enough for Meyer, who says her vet bills total about $6,000. Sam has been in critical care since his injury and has pins in his spine to facilitate healing. Meyer also estimates rehabilitation will be needed.

She acknowledges the parents of the dog's owner have been friendly and apologetic.

"I have no anger toward anyone for it," Meyer said. "(But) no one is comfortable with their children around. You should not feel afraid to live in your neighborhood."