NORTH CAROLINA — A pit bull was shot and later quarantined after the animal attacked an Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College employee.
The pit bull's owner, Joseph Garcia, of Hazelwood Road, was cited for the bite and not securing an animal during transport. Both violations carry a $50 fine.
The brindle-colored pit bull, named Riggs, was left unsecured Tuesday in the back of a pickup truck while the owner registered for classes, according to A-B Tech officials.
The dog jumped from the truck about 4 p.m. A female student on campus encountered the pit bull, and the animal attempted to attack her. A-B Tech maintenance worker Jason Robinson intervened and was bitten on his right hand, according to a release from the Police Department.
After the attack, the dog continued to wander the campus and menace people, according to law enforcement. Sgt. Don Stout, an A-B Tech officer, eventually encountered Riggs and shot the pit bull in the cheek, Police Department Lt. Wally Welch said.
The animal ran into the woods, and law enforcement officials located the dog several hours later.
The animal received nonlife-threatening injuries. It was treated and released into the custody of law enforcement and is being held at the Buncombe County Animal Shelter.
“Our primary objective if there is a bite is to secure the animal because human health is at risk,” said Brenda Sears, who heads the animal control division at the city.
Welch said the animal appeared to have its current shots.
“He did have a tag that suggested that it was up-to-date, but because of the nature of the incident we wanted to investigate,” Welch said.
Garcia has had contact with animal control officials previously.
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Lt. Kevin Calhoun said a different dog owned by Garcia was acting aggressively in Garcia's neighborhood in August 2010.
The county put restrictions on the animal, but it was eventually hit by a car.
Sears said the city has limited authority over the animal because Garcia lives in the county.
The animal will be required to wear a muzzle and be secured at all times when inside the city limits.
A phone number for Garcia was not available, and he couldn't be reached for comment.
(Citizen-Times - Apr. 27, 2011)
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