January 16, 2008

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - Authorities say a dog that bit an animal control worker after it was attacked by an alligator may have to be euthanized.

Witness accounts paint a frightening picture. Three dogs, one presumed to be the mother, all believed to be strays, were walking near a Delray Beach, Florida lake.

The pups were standing near the water as their mom swam out. Passersby say the swimming dog turned around to head back to shore, but was soon after pulled under.

Residents living in the area say an 8-foot alligator that frequents the shore is to blame. A search took place, but was unsuccessful. The animal is now presumed dead.

One of the puppies ran away after the attack, but the third was caught. Animal service workers say the dog suffered an alligator bite and was in shock when they found it.

But the dog later bit an animal control worker that was called to the scene. Authorities are now saying it may have to be put down. They also say that since the dog doesn't have a collar or microchip, it is probably a stray, and may not have had a rabies vaccination.

The dog is estimated to be about four-months-old and some mix of hound.

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