‘It is a horrific incident:’ Atlantic Beach woman seeking justice for her dog

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — City officials in Atlantic Beach met on Thursday to discuss a potentially dangerous dog in the community.

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This is after a large dog named Farley killed a smaller dog named Charlie.

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“If you have ever witnessed that, it is a horrific incident,” Martha Marshall, Charlie’s owner, said.

Martha gave emotional testimony in front of a special judge while holding on to a piece of Charlie.

“I thought I would bring him with me,” Martha said.

Martha said she was sitting on her front porch last month when her dog Charlie left her sight -- she said a dog named Farley bit Charlie and killed him.

She’s seeking justice for her 5-pound dog.

Read: Report shows Putnam County man’s dogs killed woman after two surrender requests denied

On Thursday, city officials joined both dog owners before a special judge and shared their testimonies.

The hearing was called after the City of Atlantic Beach Chief of Police decided that Farley should be considered a dangerous dog.

“I do believe that the letter law required us to apply that section for 4-10 (2) to declare that dog dangerous,” Victor Gualillo, City of Atlantic Beach Chief of Police, said.

The city’s ordinance he’s referring to states that a dangerous dog means any dog that has severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner’s property.

The attorney representing Farley argues that because Farley was on a leash, he should not be deemed dangerous.

Read: Clay County officials deem two dogs dangerous after family didn’t appeal Animal Control

The city’s leash ordinance reads in part no dog shall be allowed off the property of its owner unless the dog is fastened to a suitable leash.

“Farley was doing everything as required by Atlantic Beach, he was on a leash in the street,” Nicole Kalkines, Farley’s attorney, said.

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The judge is expected to issue an opinion within the next five days.