MIAMI – A witness to a recent dog attack that has the residents of an apartment complex in Miami in fear got Miami-Dade County Animal Services involved.

Gabriella Dominguez, a spokeswoman for the Miami-Dade County Animal Services, released a statement reporting their records show the Feb. 16 attacker was an American Bulldog mix.

Residents of Half Moon Towers of Miami, at 5055 NW 7 St., have lost trust in the dog. Some said it was a pitbull and they want the county agency to protect them from the risk of another attack.

“The determination of a dog as aggressive or dangerous, as well as any ensuing citations, hinges on various factors carefully considered during the investigation,” Dominguez wrote in her statement.

Elda Gonzalez Batista said the attacker’s jaws were locked on the neck of the four-year-old schnauzer mix named “Tico,” so she grabbed a traffic cone and swung it.

That dog was killing him,” Gonzalez Batista said in Spanish.

“Tico” had to undergo surgery to have necrotic skin removed, and continues to visit the veterinarian regularly to have the dressings changed. The owner of the attacker was apologetic and was covering the cost of the veterinary treatment, which as of Thursday was about $3,000.

Animal Services reached out to the owner of the schnauzer and provided documents that need to be filled out and submitted along with a police report, veterinary records, and pictures within two weeks, according to Dominguez.

“Upon receipt of this documentation, Animal Services will proceed to provide the owner of the attacking dog with an affidavit, affording them a similar two-week timeframe for completion,” Dominguez wrote.

After collecting evidence from both parties, animal services personnel will make an assessment.

“If any violations are established, the owner of the attacking dog may face citations,” Dominguez wrote.

For more information about the county agency’s process, visit this page.