Pitbull Mixes Kill Neighbor's Chihuahua In Long Beach: Report

LONG BEACH, CA — What started out as a normal walk for Debbie Reis-Bastiaans and her four dogs, turned into a tragedy that left the family grieving.

According to a report from ABC 7, Reis-Bastiaans was walking in front of a neighbor's driveway last Monday when two large pit bull mixes ran over to her and her dogs, knocked her down and attacked her chihuahua Willy.

"As I was starting to exit from the apron of the neighbor's driveway and walk across the street, a pack of dogs got out and attacked all four of my dogs and me," Reis-Bastianns told ABC 7. "I tried to protect my dogs, but they got my Willy."

Debbie's husband Lou Batiaans told ABC 7 that he saw his wife jump to the ground to try to cover both Willy and her other dog Gidget, but the small chihuahua-terrier mix slipped out from underneath her. Both dogs were rushed to the animal hospital, where Gidget was treated for a broken leg.

Willy wasn't so lucky and his injuries were too severe to save him, ABC 7 said.

The owner of the pit bull mixes said he accidentally left his gate open and the dogs got out. Animal control took his dogs away, and the owner said he is taking full responsibility. The city of Long Beach Animal Care Services is investigating the incident and said they will have a vicious dog hearing for the case.

Read more from ABC 7: Neighbor's pit bull mixes attack Long Beach woman, kill her beloved dog