A Newnan man will not be prosecuted for stabbing a pit bull mix at PetSmart.

A Coweta County grand jury refuses to indict Craig Hayes of Newnan on a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals.  District Attorney Pete Skandalakis considers the case closed.

Hayes was at PetSmart in August with his 11-year-old terrier when Clara, a pit bull mix, got loose from her handler and attacked.  Hayes stabbed Clara several times to try to get her away from his dog.

The humane society later opted to euthanize Clara.  Grand jurors learned the dog had a history of aggressive behavior toward other animals.

The grand jury inquired if Hayes had made hostile comments about pit bulls before the stabbing. According to the district attorney, witnesses only heard him make derogatory statements after the attack.

Skandalakis tells the Newnan Times-Herald, he supports the decision of the grand jury.