BELLAIRE, OH -- A Bellaire police officer was forced to shoot and kill a pit bull that had attacked several city residents and another dog on Thursday evening in the village. One resident was taken to a local hospital as a result of the dog attacks.
According to police reports, officers were first called to 700 41st St., Apt. 3, around 6 p.m. Thursday after the dog chased a Home Health employee who was walking her client's dog.
The worker said the pit bull chased her into the apartment and knocked down the client who was taken to Wheeling Hospital for treatment of injuries received in the fall.
Officers then located the dog at 3695 Monroe St., where it chased the resident and his juvenile son back into their house. The dog attacked the resident's dog which was outside on a chain.
Officers said neither they nor the resident were able to stop the attack. Officers said they were forced to shoot the pit bull.
Belmont County Animal Control was notified and the health department was to be advised of the incident.
Bellaire Police have been proactive in enforcing regulations on dogs running at large and dogs with aggressive behavior.
The pit bull did not have a collar and no one has yet to claim ownership of the dog.
Police Chief Michael Kovalyk commended officers Lt, Donna Baroch, Lt. William Shallcross and Officer Hank Martin for their quick and professional action in securing the safety of those involved.
(Wheeling News-Register - July 8, 2011)
