Fate of pit bull decided

<p>The fate of the unrestrained dog that attacked and killed a family beagle on Sept. 28 was decided on Tuesday: He will be humanely euthanized, said Lieutenant Tim Lyons. </p><p>Lyons said he made the decision based on a range of evidence brought against the pit bull, Retro, at a hearing in October, including a recommendation from Petaluma Animal Services.</p><p>“It is a difficult decision to make because you realize the animal is somebody's pet,” said Lyons. “But you also have to take into account (the safety) of other animals and the people walking them.”</p><p>At the emotional hearing, Retro's owner Cory Karlsson described Retro as a great dog that “just needed supervision,” while the beagle's owner, Bill Zitkovich, said he felt sorry for Karlsson, but “I lost my dog too.”</p><p>Retro had attacked another dog in 2008 and was on a sort of probation, restricted by county order. He should have been kept inside or in a secure enclosure, or on a six-foot leash if away from home, said Lyons.</p><p>Also important, said Lyons, was the fact that both times Retro attacked he was off his owner's property. Karlsson had problems with another dog he'd owned as well, according to documents discussed at the hearing.</p><p>Lyons left a message with Karlsson and will give him a few days to say goodbye to his pet.</p><p>(Contact Jamie Hansen at jamie.hansen@arguscourier.com)</p>