Horse euthanized after pit bulls attack

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (AP)--A race horse attacked by two pit bull terriers was so badly injured it had to be euthanized, its owners said. The dogs were ordered destroyed Feb. 27 after they were deemed to be dangerous.

The horse, named Drink the Wind, won 22 races during his career at Spokane's former Playfair Race Course. He was 33 years old and in failing health.

The dogs' owner was cited for allowing dangerous dogs to run at large.

Both dogs were impounded at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service shelter, where they were to be euthanized.

The horse's owners, Bob and Leigh Ann Lightfoot, said laws regarding dangerous dogs are too lenient.

The pit bulls attacked the horse in its Spokane Valley pasture after breaking out of their fenced yard a block away Feb. 25. They grabbed on to the horse's neck and muzzle, pulling the stunned animal to the ground before mauling its face and neck, said Lightfoot's daughter, Cheryle Murphy, who witnessed the attack and drove away the dogs.

The dogs' owner, Mike Schelin Jr., was apologetic.

"I'm really sorry it happened," Schelin said. "I feel bad about it, but dogs will be dogs, I guess."

Date: 6/8/07