A Farmingville woman whose Maltese was mauled to death Monday night is calling for a change in town policy regarding animal attacks.

Teri Labozzetta says it could have been her or children that fell victim to the two rottweilers that launched the attack in her backyard.

"It took tragedy to get something done," she says.

The rottweilers' owner opted to put the dogs down after they had "gotten the taste of blood." Town officials say had the man not chosen to cooperate they couldn't have done anything without going through the proper legal channels.

Tom Burke, Brookhaven's Public Information Officer, says going into a home and taking the dogs without the right paperwork would be a violation of constitutional rights.