Dog Attacks, Kills Another Pet In Western Springs: Police

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs resident Emma Cohen, who lives in the Ridgewood subdivision, says her father walked the family dog, Moxie, late Sunday afternoon.

During the walk, a dog escaped from a house on Lawn Drive and attacked Moxie, who was on a leash, she told Patch.

The offending dog also bit and scratched her father as he was trying to save the family pet.

Police said Moxie was taken to the animal hospital, where she died.

The owner of the offending dog was issued municipal tickets with charges of a biting dog, a fierce biting dog and a dog at large, police said.

"Words cannot describe the amount of pain we are in right now having to say goodbye to our dog, but I want everyone in the area to be aware of this incident, especially if you are in the area walking a dog, a stroller, or with your kids, as the dog is still in the owner's possession," Cohen said in an email to Patch.

In an interview, Cohen and her husband, Scott Cohen, said they were told the police and county animal control have limited ability to remove offending dogs from a neighborhood.

Scott Cohen said he has been in communication with the owner.

"He's taking responsibility for this," Scott Cohen said.

Emma Cohen said she heard a bigger dog attacked a smaller one in their subdivision a day later. Patch has filed a public records request to determine whether police responded to the second incident.

Patch also left an emailed message with the police chief about the department's ability to remove vicious animals.

As for Moxie, Emma Cohen called the animal "our rock."

"We miss her so much — it has been a painful two days," she said.