The July 26 attack by a pit bull, that killed a four-year-old toy poodle in the Issaquah Highlands, has resulted in an order from King County for the owner to remove the dog from the county.

Eric Swansen, operations manager for regional animal services, said the investigation was delayed because the pit bull’s owner, Christina Hart, retained an attorney who advised her to not speak to the agency.

“The investigation took longer than is typical on such a sensitive case, but we were able to conclude our investigation last night,” Swansen said in an August 22 e-mail.

Hart, who lives in the 800 block of 4th Ave. NE, has been ordered to remove “Chloe.” Swansen said the findings concluded that her dog is dangerous based on the evidence of this most recent attack. The dog has been involved in two other attacks according to a neighbor.

A roommate, Nally Berg, who was the majority adult present when “Chloe” was being walked, is being issued civil penalties for having an unlicensed dog — $125 — and a vicious dog violation of $500.

“Both of these actions are appealable to the King County Board of Appeals,” Swansen said. “They have 15 days to file an appeal in the matter. Should they not be successful in their appeal, they can appeal the matter to King County Superior Court. The order to remove the dog and payment of civil penalties are stayed during the appeals process, which is all part of their due process rights.”

The Issaquah Highlands Community Association has governing documents that include breed restrictions, prohibiting pit bulls, any dog registered as a pit bull or a Staffordshire Terrier.

The poodle died from one bite that punctured its lungs and stomach.