City officials allow killer bulldog to stay at home

By Barbara Luis

Staff Writer 

Officials with the City of San Jose Animal Care and Services Center have determined that a local bulldog that fatally mauled a terrier to death earlier this month can stay with its family. “Max” the American bulldog is owned by San Jose Sharks defensive star Mike Rathje. Since the attack in the parking lot of the Los Alamitos Creek trail, the 70-pound purebred has remained behind a locked gate at the family home located nearby.

Animal Care and Services officials have spent the last 10 days investigating the incident. Officer Roman Dizon determined through further direct contact with the bulldog at home that there is no public threat by leaving him with the Rathjes.

Tuesday morning, Dizon made an unannounced visit to the home of the Almaden woman who lost her dog in the attack. He discussed his findings with Sara Whitlock, the 66-year old owner of Banjo, the 15-pound Norwich terrier who died. Whitlock says she started crying during the heated discussion in her backyard during which Dizon disclosed the city's intention not to declare the bulldog a “vicious dog.”

She was given 72 hours to file papers disputing the city's findings or the matter will be dropped.

But Mrs. Whitlock insists city officials “need to do their jobs.” She says she has no intention of letting her dog's violent death be swept under a rug.

“I might be chopped liver, but I lost my dog and I want something done,” she cried during a telephone interview Tuesday night. She says she has not yet decided what her next move will be because she is “just too upset.”

Meantime, Max the bulldog remains under lock and key at home with the Rathjes.