UPDATE: Woman fighting to get dog back after alleged attack

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — In an update to a story last week, a dog owner is speaking out after a woman claimed her dog killed the woman’s cat.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story included the incorrect picture of Layla.  The picture was of another dog named Layla and in no way was connected to this story.  We apologize for the error.

The owner of the dog is now speaking out fighting to prove her dog is not vicious. Heather Houston said her dog Layla is a part of their family. She said she has some pit bull in her, but she is a mix.

“I’ve had her since she was 6 weeks old,” Houston said. “She’s been with me through some of my hardest times and she’s the only thing I had to lean on for a really long time.”

Now, Houston said she is fighting to bring Layla home after her neighbor, Mary Deimer called animal control about an attack.

“And claimed that my dog killed one of her cats,” Houston said.

Houston said she was home at the time of the alleged attack and did not see or hear anything. Deimer told us she tried to fight off the dog, but her cat was already dead.

“The Lieutenant told me that, because the woman was going to extremes to find justice for her cat, that his hands were tied and he had to come get the dog,” Houston said.

Spokeswoman Emily Flax with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said the case will go before a three person panel to determine whether Layla is dangerous. She said the panel will only review the incident. They do not mention breed, location, or any other factors that could influence their decision. Flax said it is strictly based on the facts of the incident.

“My dog has never hurt an animal or a person ever in her life,” Houston said.

Deimer told us, last week, she is concerned for her six year old grandson.

“I’m afraid for him to be out here in this yard by himself,” Deimer said.

Houston said Layla plays with all the neighborhood kids including Deimer’s.

“The woman used to put her grandson over the fence to play with my kids and Layla would be in the backyard and if she fears for his life so much, then why would she do that?” Houston said.

Houston said her friends have started a petition on Facebook, leaving comments and pictures. It is all in hopes of bringing layla home.

“Bring her home,” Houston said. “That’s all I want.”

Houston said they have people from germany and all over the U.S. signing the petition.

Flax said the case is waiting to go before the panel. If the dog is deemed dangerous, she said there are certain actions the owner must take.