At least one sheriff’s deputy shot a pit bull that was allegedly attacking deputies on Thursday, Aug. 20, while they attempted to arrest a grand-theft suspect in Sunland.
Following a foot chase, deputies were taking the suspect into custody around 4 p.m. when the person’s pit bull lunged at and tried to bite them near the Sunland Park Recreation Center in the 8100 block of Foothill Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
A deputy tried to Tase the dog multiple times, but sheriff’s officials said the pit bull continued to attack.
At least one deputy fired at the pit bull, who was shot multiple times.
The dog was taken to a veterinary hospital; sheriff’s officials didn’t specify its condition.
Sheriff’s officials also didn’t specify if any deputy was injured.
“This is an unfortunate incident,” Capt. Ryan Vienna said in a statement, “and I applaud the deputies for their extraordinary efforts to de-escalate the situation with the animal before resorting to potentially lethal force.”
In June, a Los Angeles police officer shot to death two-year-old Jameson, a golden retriever-St. Bernard-poodle mix, after responding to a Canoga Park home after reported screams — the owner was celebrating the NBA championship won by the New York Knicks.
Jameson had bolted out a door, and was shot — raising scrutiny about the officer’s actions, with the mayor calling for a “full investigation.”
One organization said less-lethal means should have been considered, including the use of a Taser.
A GoFundMe was set up: “Please help us raise money to get Justice for Jameson and any cremation fees,” its webpage says.
By Thursday night, Aug. 20, with a goal of $10,000, it had raised $249,743, with the family now saying it would set up a nonprofit for animals.