Denison judge orders pit bull to be euthanized
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Posted: 7:06 PM Jan 26, 2012
Denison judge orders pit bull to be euthanized
DENISON, TX - A few weeks ago we told you the story of a pit bull that entered a neighbors home in Denison and killed that family's chihuahua. Today a judge decided the fate of the pit bull.
Reporter: Jalah Gray
Email Address: jalah.gray@kxii.com
width:640 and height: 360 and picwidth: 240 and pciheight: 135
Font Size:

DENISON, TX - A few weeks ago we told you the story of a pit bull that entered a neighbors home in Denison and killed that family's chihuahua. Today a judge decided the fate of the pit bull.

It was an emotional day for the families on both sides of this case.
You could feel the tension in the room when the judge gave his decision.

"My decision in this is this dog needs to be put down, destroyed...it needs to happen as soon as possible."

After hearing testimony from witnesses it didn't take Denison Municipal Judge, Phillip Shaffer, long to order the pit bull to be euphanized.
Investigators say on January 3rd, Shannan Smythe's 2 year old pit bull, Sadie, got loose from her harness and attacked and killed a Chihuahua inside a neighbor's home.
The neighbors say the pit bull was charging their 5 year old girl when the chihuahua jumped in between to protect her.

"I hate to think what would have happened had the dog gotten a hold of the little girl." said Judge Shaffer.

Judge Shaffer wouldn't allow the owner of the pit bull to testify, saying in his twenty years as judge, this is the first time he's ever ordered a dog to be put down.

"I've done everything I've been told to, and she's never gone after a child, she's never done anything and I don't think it's fair." said pit bull owner, Shannan Smythe.

Smythe and his family say they brought video evidence showing their pit bull playing with children, and a petition signed by hundreds of people hoping to give the dog a chance.

"It was very unfair it was one sided, yes she's a pit bull, but she is not a vicious pit bull." said Patricia Reed.

"It was not a fair hearing, I'll tell that to anyone, we will abide by it." Peggy Geesling said.

The chihuahua owners say although the pit bull will be put down, there's no happy ending to this story.

"What if it did attack a kid and it was a kid that died instead of our dog." said Janet Steward.

"It's not a win situation, everybody lost." said Jessica Capshaw.

Judge Shaffer ordered animal control to pick the pit bull up today.
It was scheduled to be euthanized at 2 o'clock this afternoon.


Doppler 12 Live
In The Community
Local musicians go "Drumming for Josh" until sunrise

Last Updated: 11:13 PM 02/18/12 - DENISON, TX-Denison drummers will test their skills and endurance to help one high school drummer march this football season. (Full Story)
Dozens dive in for the 7th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

Last Updated: 10:53 PM 02/18/12 - GORDONVILLE, TX-Texomans braved the rain and cold temperatures Saturday to take part in the 7th Annual Polar Bear Plunge. (Full Story)
Austin College Students Compete in Wheelchair Basketball Tourney
Last Updated: 9:24 AM 02/15/12 - SHERMAN, TEXAS —Austin College students will step up to their wheelchairs this week for a wheelchair basketball competition to raise money for charity. The wheelchair basketball tournament will culminate in a 10-minute face-off with a faculty team during halftime at the men’s basketball game at 8 p.m. Friday, February 17. (Full Story)
Trendy Tuesday: Kelly Square

Last Updated: 6:00 PM 02/14/12 - SHERMAN, TX-- Kelly Square sits across from the Grayson County Court house. You wouldn't know it looking from the outside, but this "square" offers a well rounded group of unique shops, for all ages. (Full Story)
St. Luke’s School Mardi Gras Auction & Dinner
Last Updated: 3:58 PM 02/13/12 - DENISON, TX - The Annual Mardi Gras Dinner and Auction will be held on Saturday February 18th at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in the Kohfeldt Hall. The doors will open at 6:00pm and bidding will begin on silent auction items. (Full Story)
More Headlines