Five Pit Bulls Put Down After Animal Control Attack

AC Officer on Routine Check Up Attacked
Los Angeles, CA - Five pit bulls were euthanized after one of them attacked an animal control officer during a routine follow-up. The 28-year-old LA Animal Control officer -- whose situation bears a resemblance to officer Florence Crowell -- was sent to the home because the dogs' owner had agreed to give up three dogs to comply with a city law that allows two dogs per address.

After being led through a side gate, the officer met the dogs. At the time, they didn't appear to be aggressive, but a large male pit bull named "Rocky" flipped demeanor and attacked the officer. The officer tried to use his catch pole to defend himself. His right arm sustained deep, tearing cuts and the top of his right hand "is completely open and one of the fingers shattered."

Rocky was tranquilized on site*, and the owner signed over all five dogs -- which ranged in age from about 3 years to 10 months old. Authorities had several records of violations at the address, including unsanitary conditions and reports of dogs running loose. There were also no records of dog licenses or rabies vaccinations for any of the pit bulls.

Captain Reyes stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership and vigilance by neighbors. "I think it's important for the community to police their own neighborhoods and to keep an eyes out on dogs and call animal control to investigate these cases." The officer sent to the Briercrest Avenue home had been following up on such reports.

The investigation is ongoing. Animal control officials are urging the public with information about the pit bulls in the 6100 block of Briercrest to call the animal control authority's Investigation Division at 562-803-3301, Ext. 224. Neither the home owner or the dog owner's names were released.

*Though euthanizing on site must occur from time-to-time, the last stark case we ran across where it did was with Bane -- the presa canario that tore apart and killed Diane Whipple.

Related articles:
04/22/08: Pit Bulls that Attack Animal Control Officer Euthanized
04/20/08: Flashback: The Pit Bull Problem is Over 20 Years Old
04/16/08: Pit Bull Owner Sics Dog on Stark County Dog Warden
04/15/08: Animal Control Officer May be Fired for Shooting Pit Bull