BERMUDA DUNES, CA -- A pit bull was shot and killed in Bermuda Dunes Thursday evening, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
A homeowner who shot the dog was concerned for the safety of his four grandchildren, so he shot and killed the pit bull as it charged, said Lieutenant Terrence Tingle of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
It happened Thursday around 5:28 p.m. in the 40,000 block of Starlight Lane. Tingle said the homeowner did nothing wrong, and will not be charged.
Family members sent a statement to KPSP Local 2 News detailing what happened.
The homeowner said the dog belonged to their neighbor and that the pit bull was carrying their new kitten in its mouth and violently shaking it.
The homeowner threw his keys and water bottles at the animal. The dog then ran off with the cat.
He went inside his house to get his gun and when he came back outside the dog was back and came after him. That is when the homeowner shot and killed the pit bull.
The cat did not survive the attack.
Family members said several months ago the same pit bull attacked and killed two of their cats. They filed a report with police and the dog owners were given a warning.
Riverside County Animal Control was called to scene to pick up the dog.
(KPSP - June 30, 2011)
