Oakland Official's Dog Killed in Series of Cane Corso Attacks
California's Secretary of Housing and Homelessness is among those alleging two large dogs have repeatedly attacked people and pets in city parks.
A series of vicious attacks by two cane corso dogs, allegedly by the same owner, have left Oakland residents shaken and drawn attention to the city's ongoing challenges with public safety and animal control. The incidents have reportedly injured or killed at least eight dogs since late last year.
The latest victim was Pepper, a 12-year-old dog belonging to Tomiquia Moss, California's Secretary of Housing and Homelessness. Moss recounted the attack in an interview, stating that the two large dogs "jump two fences and start making a beeline toward me and my dog." She described how the dogs mauled Pepper for three minutes, shaking her violently. Despite efforts by Moss, a park worker, and the owner to intervene, Pepper succumbed to her injuries the following morning.
Moss told SFGate that the owner was unable to control the dogs and reportedly walked away after the attack without intervention. The owner has not been publicly identified.
Following Moss's account, social media users began sharing information and images, with a digital flyer circulating online alleging that the same owner and two cane corsos have been involved in a pattern of aggressive behavior. These reports suggest at least eight dog attacks since November 2025, with one other pet possibly killed in addition to Pepper.
Moss's daughter, Torii Lola, who was on the phone with her mother during the attack, shared the flyer and indicated a belief that the identified individual is responsible. Lola stated that this appears to be a recurring issue for multiple Oakland residents and that the owner may have been implicated in incidents at other locations.
Lola also highlighted that the Oakland Police Department does not handle animal control cases, leaving many victims feeling without recourse. "Whether your dog was injured or ultimately lost their life, it seems that many people didn't get the justice that was deserved," Lola said.
For Oakland residents, these dog attacks represent an additional concern in a city already grappling with high crime rates, homelessness, and budget deficits impacting public services.