NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF) — A dog owner is facing charges following a pit bull attack in North Augusta.

Officials say on Saturday, February 16, a man was walking his dog in Whatley Place neighborhood area when his dog, a chihuahua, started barking at a pit bull inside of a fence in a nearby yard. 

The pit bull broke free and attacked the chihuahua, according to Lt. Luke Sherman with North Augusta Public Safety.

The chihuahua was taken to a local emergency vet.  The owner decided to put the dog down due to the extent of its injuries. 

The owner of the pit bull is charged with “dog at large.”  The owner’s name has not been released. 

The chihuahua’s owner was not injured in the attack.

Count on WJBF NewsChannel 6 to keep you updated on this developing story.