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A series of attacks apparently linked to the same pair of loose pit bulls roaming the streets of several neighborhoods on Chicago's Northwest Side have put area residents on edge.
According to NBC Chicago, the attacks have been reported this week in the city's Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village and East Village neighborhoods. The dogs have thus far injured at least one smaller dog, a brave fellow named Hero, and killed one cat.
The stray dogs also reportedly charged toward a Wicker Park woman, who defended herself by using mace near Smith Park on Wednesday, according to NBC.
The recent attacks were first reported on EveryBlock Wednesday, though possible previous sightings of the dogs might date as far back as Oct. 10. Those who have seen the dogs describe them as "brown and white and very thin." They were reportedly last seen heading onto Ashland Avenue on Wednesday evening.
The Wicker Park Bucktown Insiders Guide posted a community alert about the dogs Friday which offers up more details of their appearance and specific sightings. Residents who see the dogs are encouraged to call 311 or Animal Care & Control at 312-747-1412.
In a separate incident in the city's Logan Square neighborhood last week, an off-duty police officer maced and then fatally shot a pit bull after he saw it attack a German shepherd.
While Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd) earlier this year proposed an ordinance that would tighten the restrictions on pit bull ownership in the city, the American Humane Association has reported that "any breed of dog can bite, and research suggests breed-specific legislation does little to protect the community from dog-bite incidents."