King County Medical Investigator Nick Fletcher reported loss of blood as the cause of death. An animal control official took the two dogs, a male, Mookie, and a female, Nikki, into custody at Kitsap Humane Society. According to sheriff's reports, only the male dog was involved in the attack. Neighbors at the scene and Susan Owens told officials neither dog had shown any signs of viciousness before. The dogs haven't given animal control workers any indication they are aggressive, said Kitsap Humane Society Executive Director Greg Bloomfield.
Briards are a shaggy, French breed known for their herding skills and family loyalty.
Susan Owens already has given authorization for the male dog to be euthanized, Bloomfield said. The fate of the female dog has yet to be determined. Susan Owens could not be reached for comment. Bloomfield and other Humane Society staff were unaware of any other fatal dog attacks in the county's history. So far this year, there have been 92 incidents of dog bites reported.