Two loose dogs attacked a Fridley resident and killed one of their pets Sunday evening near 5th Avenue NE and 63rd Avenue NE, and police are now asking neighbors to help track down the animals' owners. Officers say the dogs, described as Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixes, one tan and one black, took off after the attack. Extra patrols have been added in the area while the search continues and the family mourns a longtime companion.
In a press release via Fridley Public Safety, officials say they learned of the incident on Monday. A community member first saw a social media post about the attack, then contacted one of the owners of the dog that was killed, and reached out to the police. The department's statement says the attack happened Sunday between about 7 and 7:30 p.m. and is listed under case #26069769. The case remains under investigation.
Local coverage lines up with the department's account. KSTP reports the victim told officers the two loose dogs came up to the person while they were carrying two dogs of their own. Bring Me The News also recapped the department's statement, including the description of one dog as black and the other tan.
What the police are asking
Investigators want anyone who lives in the area to review doorbell, security, or other video recordings between 4 and 8 p.m. on Sunday and to report anything that shows the dogs, possible vehicles, or their owners, according to the press release from Fridley Public Safety. Tips can be called in to 763-572-3629 using case #26069769, and anonymous information can be submitted through the city's online tip portal.
City rules and next steps
The city notes that officers can label a dog "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous" under Chapter 300.12 of Fridley's code, which can result in specific conditions for the owner and, in some situations, seizure of the animal. Police also remind residents that they can dial 9-1-1 for both emergency and non-emergency reports of dogs running at large so officers can respond and try to locate an owner.
Anyone who saw the dogs or has information about them or their owners is urged to contact Fridley Police. The department says stepped-up patrols will continue while the search is underway, and neighbors out walking their pets are encouraged to keep dogs leashed and to report any aggressive animals to police right away.
