Officer kills pit bull that attacked him, K-9 dog

KENTUCKY -- A Louisville Metro Police officer fatally shot a pit bull dog that was attacking the officer and a police K-9 dog in southwestern Louisville, police said.

The K-9 dog, a Belgian Malinois named Banjo, was treated for cuts on its side and the owner of the pit bull was cited by animal control officers for not having the dog under proper control, said Carey Klain, a spokeswoman for Louisville Metro Police.

The Louisville Metro K-9 Unit was assisting a Narcotics Unit investigation in the 5400 block of Maryman Road at 6:40 p.m. when a pit bull from a home across the street began attacking the K-9 dog, Klain said.

The pit bull appears to be unrelated to the narcotics investigation, she said.

Police would not release the name of the officer involved and continues to be on duty. A use of force report will be filed, Klain said.

(Courier Journal - Jan 31, 2012)