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Lakewood, CA … An animal control officer from
the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) in Downey was
viciously mauled by a large male pit bull dog while on a routine
check back at a home on the 6100 block of Briercrest Ave. in
Lakewood.
The officer — who will remains anonymous for privacy
reasons — made contact with the residents at 6112 Briercrest about
too many pit bull dogs on the property. SEAACA records indicate
several prior violations at that address involving their dogs, with
one recent stipulation that the residents come into compliance with
the number of dogs housed at the address. There is no record of dog
licenses or rabies vaccinations on any dog at the address.
The 28-year-old animal control officer, a two year
veteran at SEAACA, met with the dog owner who agreed to relinquish
custody three of the five pit bulls on the property. The officer was
escorted to the side gate by the dog owner and allowed to enter the
property and attempt to capture the three dogs. SEAACA officials
said the dogs appeared non-aggressive and able to be handled, but
that a large male pit bull named "Rocky" changed its friendly
demeanor and began to attack the officer.
The officer attempted to use his catch-pole and
tactical baton to defend himself, but the pit bull eventually
overpowered him. Responding to his screams for help, the owner
finally pulled to dog off so the officer could get to his feet.
Lakewood Sheriff's Deputies and more SEAACA animal
control officers responded to the scene and cordoned off the area
until tranquilizer equipment arrived. The male pit bull was
tranquilized by SEAACA officers and safely impounded moments later.
All five dogs were signed over to SEAACA by the owner.
"This is a sad day for this officer, who has been
hurt very badly simply trying to do his job," said Captain Aaron
Reyes, Director of Operations for SEAACA. "We are looking into all
the facts and trying to piece together everything that happened."
The attacking dog will be tested by the County Health
Department for Rabies. Other pit bulls on the property — whose
involvement in the attack is not yet entirely clear — will be
humanely euthanized.
"From a public safety standpoint, it is critical that
dog owners have control of their animals, maintain current
vaccinations and a current dog license," stated Reyes.
"This was a brutal attack on a trained animal control
officer. What if this had been a utility worker simply trying to
read a meter?" Reyes continued. "Under certain circumstances, some
dogs can pose a huge danger in the community, which is why we are so
committed to promoting responsible, law abiding pet ownership."
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information
on the dogs living at 6112 Briercrest Ave. in Lakewood is asked to
call SEAACA's Investigation Division at (562) 803-3301 x224. |
Animal
Law Enforcement & Rescue
