The fate of two dogs turned over to authorities after killing two family pets in a north-west Canberra suburb is still uncertain.
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The Territory and Municipal Services directorate has not confirmed reports the animals had been declared dangerous, and would not be drawn on speculation surrounding their future.
A spokesman from the directorate said the dogs would remain at the Domestic Animal Services shelter in Symonston pending the findings of an investigation into the incident.
The dogs were surrendered on Tuesday evening after details emerged of two separate attacks in as many days.
The spokesman said the owner was distressed upon learning about the attacks and is fully cooperating with authorities.
It is alleged the dogs smashed through a flyscreen door into a Dunlop living room last Friday, where they killed a four-year-old chihuahua named Jiminy.
They also shredded the hand of Jiminy's owner, Isabelle Goldstraw, forcing her to undergo surgery on Saturday.
Ms Goldstraw's mother Brenda expressed her gratitude to the owner for coming forward amidst fierce criticism to surrender the dogs.
"This just makes us sad that two more fur babies [could] lose their lives, but now they have killed they cannot be trusted," she said.
"Nothing will bring Jiminy back and no one wins in this."
Amanda Mitchener – whose dog Saphie was butchered in her own backyard by the dogs last Thursday while the family was overseas – feels sympathy for their owner, but wants justice to be served.
"I am sorry that the owner will have to deal with the fact that their dogs are dangerous and may have to be destroyed," Mrs Mitchener said.
"To me it is justice after what they have done to Saphie, Jiminy and their other victims."
On Tuesday, Domestic Animal Services registrar Fleur Flanery said they had contacted the owners of both the dead dogs to offer support and take statements and had alerted RSPCA and ACT Policing of the attacks.