Dogs in fatal horse attack euthanized

Both dogs connected to the fatal attack on a horse in the Foothills have been euthanized.

Mackenzie and Pano, two pit bulls, were put down Friday at the Humane Society of Yuma. A judge found both dogs vicious following a hearing earlier this week after the mauling of a quarter horse named Spud. Mackenzie had the option of being sent to a rescue for the rest of her life, but no group would take her.

Judge Yolanda Torok of Yuma Justice Court ordered Wednesday that Mackenzie be sent to a rescue organization but if one could not be found within 15 days, she be put down.

Although the dogs' owners didn't fight Pano's viciousness or his fate, they tried to spare Mackenzie, saying she was simply an onlooker.

Spud was attacked on Nov. 5 while he was in his stall at a home in the Foothills. The horse survived the initial attack but his injuries were so serious a veterinarian decided it would be more humane to euthanize him. The dogs, which belonged to neighbors, escaped from their home and squeezed into his pen.

One of the owners is still facing a charge of violating a state law that makes a dog owner liable for its dog chasing, hurting or killing livestock.