EUGENE, Ore. — Jeff Varco and Bob James are grieving the loss of their cat, Zeke, who was killed on July 4 when their neighbor’s dogs allegedly attacked her in their yard. According to the men, one of the dogs snapped Zeke’s neck during the assault, a scene captured on a neighbor’s surveillance video.
“It was the most horrific thing I’ve ever seen,” Varco said, while James described the incident as “sickening.” The dogs were seen dragging Zeke’s body away and playing with it, raising concerns for the safety of other pets in the area.
Varco and James emphasized that this was not an isolated incident. They reported that the same two dogs frequently roam the neighborhood and have previously attacked other cats, including one reported incident in 2018 and another in 2019. In 2018, both dogs were declared dangerous after killing a cat, but the classification was lifted after a year without further incidents.
The Eugene Police Department (EPD) stated that the dangerous dog classification imposes restrictions, including mandatory muzzling and leashing when outside, as well as signage indicating the presence of dangerous dogs. However, it remains unclear whether the dogs were classified as dangerous at the time of Zeke’s death.
In the aftermath of the incident, Ayers received a citation and must adhere to these restrictions. However, she declined an on-camera interview, instead stating “nolo contendere,” accepting responsibility without admitting guilt, and blaming an unidentified neighbor for opening her gate on July 4.
Varco and James believe the existing measures are insufficient. “Our cat died, and it’s not fair. They need to be put down,” Varco stated, expressing frustration over the recurring attacks.
Now, the men carry pepper spray for protection against the dogs and have altered their living habits, keeping their remaining cat and dog indoors. James urged other dog owners to be responsible, saying, “Please, control your dogs. Keep them on a leash.”
