ANDERSON, SC (FOX Carolina) -
Police said an elderly Anderson man's dog did not survive an attack by another dog after it was mauled while out walking on Sunday.
The dog belonged to 82-year old Jack Campbell. He said his dog, Buck, was a miniature pinscher mix that had been his loyal friend for 16 years.
"The first time I put a leash on him, he looked up at me and I said, 'Boy, you think me and you will ever be good buddies?' And he moved his head like, yes, and we've been good buddies all these years," said Campbell.
Campbell said he was walking Buck along Jeb Stuart Avenue about 11 a.m. when a pit bull ran from behind a house and charged them. Campbell said it was the same pit bull that had attacked Buck on an earlier walk about six weeks ago, he says Buck was also injured in that attack.
"I swung at (the pit bull) with my walking cane and missed, but then he seen Buck and shot right by me and grabbed Buck," said Campbell.
Police said the pit bull's owner ran to help, punching the pit bull in the head.
"He had his arm around the neck, and was beating him in the face like as hard has he could, and he finally picked up him and slammed him on the ground, and he let go of Buck," said Campbell.
Police said the pit bull let go of the dog after the small dog's skin was torn, exposing its internal organs.
The dog's owner told police he was walking out of his house when his dog pushed through the door, nearly knocking him down. Police said the small dog died in the attack.
Animal control is investigating the case. Police said the pit bull's owner was charged with vicious dog, a misdemeanor offense. They said the pit bull was up-to-date on its vaccinations and would not be seized, but the owner chose to voluntarily move the dog to another location where it will be kept more secure.
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An undated photo of Jack Campbell and his dog Buck. (Courtesy Jack Campbell)
