Welland and District Humane Society manager Ted Bettle said it is impossible to judge whether or not a dog can be rehabilitated after killing another animal.

"It's almost impossible to make that opinion," said Bettle. "Every animal reacts differently and I don't think anybody could give a real evaluation into that."

But he said considering they have bit twice in the past, it's an indicator they cannot likely be rehabilitated.

The two dogs in question, black Labrador crosses, have killed at least two other dogs -- a Pomeranian two years ago and a miniature Yorkshire terrier in August. There have been reports that the two dogs, which answer to the names Jasper and JJ, have killed and injured on other occasions as well.

Following the Aug. 25 attack the animals, which were under a muzzle and leash order, were seized by the Humane Society and held at its Port Colborne shelter.

On Sept. 29 the animals were stolen from the shelter during a break and enter. The break in occurred sometime between 1 p.m. Sept. 29 and 8 a.m. Sept. 30, say police. The break-in was discovered by a shelter employee.

Police found tools used to cut through the fence and break the locks on the building. The locks on the individual cages holding the animals were also cut.

The owner of the dogs, which were under a muzzle and leash order when they killed Mario Deluca's dog Gnocchi, is awaiting trial. The city of Port Colborne has laid seven charges under its dog bylaw and one under the Dog Owner's Liability Act against the dog's owner, Gary Beaulieu. The city is seeking destruction of the animals and a ban on the owner from owning a dog for a minimum of 10 years.

The trial is slated to start Oct. 29.

"I'm really hopeful the police get these dogs before then," said Bettle. "Either way the trial will continue as scheduled."

Police continue to search for the missing dogs, and have told Bettle it is a top priority.

The animals are considered "vicious" and police are asking the public to keep an eye out for the two black dogs. Police believe the animals are being kept in the Port Colborne area.

Anyone with information on the break-in or the location of the dogs is asked to call Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111 ext. 3354 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.