Overview
- A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a pit bull that was attacking a man trapped inside a fenced, locked front yard, officials said Monday.
- Deputies arrived after a 911 call and found the man lying in the yard and appearing unresponsive, the department said.
- The deputy entered the yard and issued verbal commands that failed before firing, which immediately stopped the attack; deputies then rendered first aid and paramedics transported the victim to a hospital in stable condition.
- Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control took custody of the dead dog and investigators say preliminary information ties the pit bull to a family member who lived with the victim.
- The sheriff’s department opened an investigation and internal policy review, and California law holds owners strictly liable for dog bite injuries which could shape any legal follow-up.