Boxer killed in Delta County
BRAMPTON TOWNSHIP -- Michael and Nancy Patten of Brampton Township are mourning the loss of their 12-year-old Boxer, Zoey, who was killed on their property Thursday night by a wolf. Zoey's front legs were broken, and she was covered in two-inch bite marks.
Around 6:30 p.m., Nancy ran out of the house when she heard her dogs barking and snarling. She saw the wolf running away, and their other boxer, Layla, was carrying Zoey on her back.
Wolves are on the Federal Endangered Species List, and property owners can't kill them if they're preying on livestock or pets.
“Well, I've always believed that if we don't take care of ourselves,” explains Zoey’s owner, Michael Patten, “it's going to be too late for someone else to do it. I’d be the first one to pick up something to protect my family and my property. I think people need to do that. I think it ought to be allowed.”
A DNR conservation officer and wildlife technician conducted an investigation after the attack.
The family plans on burying Zoey on their property Friday night.
They rescued her from a puppy mill and have had her for eight years.
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