Natomas Family Dog Killed in Vicious Attack by Loose Dog

Owner warns neighbors to be on alert after her small Maltese was fatally mauled by a white pit-bull mix in front of their home.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Sacramento woman is mourning the loss of her beloved 5-pound Maltese dog, Giggit, after it was viciously attacked and killed by a loose dog described as a white pit-bull mix in front of their Natomas home. The attack was captured on the family's home surveillance camera, showing the large dog rushing into their yard and grabbing Giggit in its mouth as the owner frantically tried to fight it off. Giggit died from severe injuries despite emergency veterinary care. The owner and neighbors are now warning others in the area to be on alert for the loose dog, which has reportedly been spotted roaming aggressively in the past year.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of loose, aggressive dogs in residential neighborhoods and the need for responsible pet ownership. The loss of a beloved family pet has devastated the owner, and there are concerns the loose dog could attack again, potentially harming another animal or even a child. The case raises questions about animal control enforcement and whether more can be done to protect public safety in the community.

The details

According to the surveillance footage, the attack happened on Friday morning as the owner, Elizabeth Gifford, was unloading groceries from her car with Giggit by her side. Suddenly, the large white pit-bull mix dog rushed across the street and grabbed Gifford's small Maltese in its mouth. Gifford tried desperately to fight off the dog, but it overpowered her and ran off with Giggit. Neighbors who witnessed the attack rushed to help, and they were eventually able to free Giggit from the dog's grip, but the small dog had suffered severe injuries to its throat and body. Giggit died from those injuries over the weekend despite emergency veterinary care.

  • The attack occurred on Friday, February 24, 2026.
  • Giggit died from her injuries over the weekend following the attack.

The players

Elizabeth Gifford

The owner of the Maltese dog that was killed in the attack. She was unloading groceries from her car when the incident happened.

Giggit

Gifford's 5-pound Maltese dog that was fatally attacked by the loose pit-bull mix.

The Loose Dog

A white pit-bull mix dog that does not appear to have an owner and has been spotted roaming the neighborhood aggressively in the past year.

Parag Kate

A neighbor who witnessed the dramatic attack unfold.

Andrea Morgan

A neighbor who heard Gifford's screams and rushed to the scene.

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What they’re saying

“It came out of nowhere. Literally came out of nowhere.”

— Elizabeth Gifford (cbsnews.com)

“I was so scared looking at the scene itself, right?”

— Parag Kate, Neighbor (cbsnews.com)

“I'm like, what's wrong? What's wrong? And then I happened to glance over at the park, and I saw the dog with her dog in its mouth.”

— Andrea Morgan, Neighbor (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Sacramento Animal Care Services is actively patrolling the area and searching for the loose dog. Neighbors have been instructed to report any sightings to animal services or 311.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for responsible pet ownership and stronger enforcement of leash laws to protect both animals and the public. It serves as a sobering reminder that loose, aggressive dogs pose a serious threat and that communities must work together to address these safety concerns.