A West Chester emotional-support dog is being mourned as a tiny hero after the family says he threw himself between a loose dog and their 12-year-old daughter Monday evening. The small dog, Durkio, described as a 5-year-old emotional support animal, was rushed to a veterinarian but was later euthanized because of severe injuries. The attack reportedly happened shortly after 7 p.m. on the 200 block of South Matlack Street.
According to the family, surveillance video shows a larger dog repeatedly jumping on the girl, then grabbing Durkio. "My dog was trying to protect my child from getting attacked by this pit bull," Tiarra Collins told reporters. As reported by 6abc, the family says they plan to seek charges against the owner of the other dog.
Collins and her wife said they heard screams from inside their apartment, ran outside, and managed to pull the larger dog off before racing Durkio to a veterinarian. Staff there found severe spinal fractures and deep neck wounds, and the family said their dog was euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. Police responded to the scene, and the Brandywine Valley SPCA is handling the investigation. The SPCA told Action News the attacking dog is not in its custody and that no charges have been filed.
What the law could mean for owners
Under Pennsylvania's Dog Law (3 P.S. § 459‑101 et seq.), owners are generally required to confine and control their animals, and violations for allowing a dog to run at large or to attack can lead to misdemeanor charges and other penalties. The statute, available through the Pennsylvania General Assembly, also sets out reporting and quarantine procedures and leaves civil remedies open for victims. In practice, that means a family in a case like this could explore both criminal and civil avenues while humane-law officers investigate.
Local shelter response and context
Brandywine Valley SPCA humane-law officers typically lead investigations of serious attacks, working with local police on potential charges. The group has already handled major rescue and enforcement work in the region this year, including an operation that nearly 50 dogs pulled from filthy Marple home, highlighting how heavy the animal-welfare caseload has become in Delco.
As the family grieves Durkio, they say they intend to keep pressing for accountability while animal-control officers and West Chester police continue their probe. Authorities say the case remains open, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Brandywine Valley SPCA or West Chester police.
