UPDATED: Fatal Dog Attack Prompts Call for Legal Action in Rossmoor

On Friday at approximately 5:00 p.m., Ron Singer & his wife, Louise, were walking their two Bichon Terrier mixes on Yellowtail in Rossmoor. Suddenly and without warning, a large Rhodesian Ridgeback came charging across the street toward them and attacked Riley, their male dog, biting it viciously then swinging Riley like a rag doll back and forth.

Fortunately, two men came to the aid of Riley and were able to free him from the mouth of the large dog. Immediately after release, this same dog attempted to charge Louise, who was holding their female dog in her arms. It was only at this point that the owner of the dog called for his dog’s return to his property and closed the gate reentering his home. This incident took place in front of six witnesses, one of whom was a police officer. 

Riley was immediately taken to All Care, a 24-hour pet hospital in Fountain Valley. On Saturday, Riley underwent an extensive 5-½ hour surgery for repairs to his torn and wounded little body. Riley received an intravenous drip of antibiotics and placed in an oxygen tent to ease his breathing. However, he passed away early this morning.

It was a great emotional blow to Ron & Louise Singer that the owner never attempted to contact them about the injuries sustained by Riley from their dog.  Rather, the Rhodesian Ridgeback's owner attempted at all costs, to avoid any communication with O.C. Animal Control Officers who immediately after the incident knocked on his door.

On Saturday morning, two animal control officers returned and again, were met with no response from the homeowner. The homeowner who owns the vicious dog was home but attempting to avoid being identified. Orange County Sheriff was summoned to the scene for assistance and the necessary documentation was obtained.

It is unfortunate that the vicious dog's owner has refused to take responsibility for the injuries his dog caused to Riley and almost to Louise Singer.  This writer questions why a dog owner who has a hunting dog would not have taken the necessary precautions to restrain the dog on his property to avoid harm to the public? 

The Singers are now dealing with the emotional pain of the witnessing of this attack and death of their family member as well as dealing with the stress of themselves almost being attacked by this dog. The Singers question what actions will Orange County Animal Care take against the homeowner in failing to control this animal from harming others? 

RPMT has been contacted by 46 Rossmoor residents who feel a criminal complaint should be filed against this dog owner.  It is without question, that this dog is vicious, has never been properly trained and the potential harm is extremely high to any neighboring child or pet.  The Rhodesian Ridgeback is bred to hunt lions being an aggressive hunting dog.  Riley, being a Bichon Terrier, has no relationship either by appearance or size to a lion. 

The last two years, Rossmoor residents have had to carry arms while walking their dogs for protection against coyotes.  Pet owners were fearful with 46 pets killed by coyotes.  Now it appears we have a new predator on public streets to be weary of.