“They Were Like Demons from Hell”

A North County couple relive an attack on their miniature horse by a roving pack of pit bulls.

Jan and Robin Hansen live in Valley center, where a pack of wild dogs has been attacking pets and livestock, including at least one miniature horse. So far, there have been three attacks. Two horses have been targeted, and two pet dogs have been killed.

Residents said they are terrified it could happen again.

"It almost seemed like they tasted blood and they wanted to finish the job," Robin said, describing an attack by four pit bulls on their miniature horse Spike that took place in the middle of the night.

"They had dragged Spike out from under the fence panel to the road beside the corral, and we thought he was dead," Robin said. "He was just lying there, and the dogs were just chewing and on pulling him."

The dogs chewed off a part of Spike's muzzle and bit him all over his body. Spike has been a companion of Sophie, a donkey for 15 years.

The dogs were seen near the San Pasqual Indian Reservation. Police there said they haven't identified an owner but have warned residents to keep their dogs locked up.

"When dogs form a pack, they are much braver, they're more intent on doing something, and it becomes a sport for them," said Lt. Dan DeSousa of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.

Spike's owners said they are not convinced the pit bulls are wild. The Hansens said at least one of dogs was wearing a collar.