The dogs' owners are in jail, and the number of times Animal Control has dealt with the owners and their animals is shocking.
Residents in an Alamogordo neighborhood called police last week after seeing three pit bulls attacking their neighbors in the 1800 block of Mason Drive.
"One female received approximately four dog bites to both of her calves, her stomach area and her forearm," said Detective Sgt. Mark Esquero of the Alamogordo Department of Public Safety.
The 27-year-old woman received the brunt of the attack. Her 46-year-old mother said she was walking home from the grocery store when the three pit bulls followed her home and became aggressive.
"She called out for her daughter. Her daughter came out and tried to get the pit bulls away from her," said Esquero.
The dogs attacked and bit both women. Neighbors heard screaming and ran out to help.
They were able to scare off the dogs with a broomstick and call 911.
The dogs owners, Robert Alcala, 44, and Anna Alcala, 41, were arrested for the attack and charged with dangerous dog act and public nuisance violations. The two victims were treated at a local hospital and released.
Not far from the neighborhood where the dogs were loose is an elementary school. Police said if the dogs were running loose during the time school let out, it could have been a dangerous situation for school children.
Witnesses said there were some kids in the area during the attack.
When Animal Control responded, they were able to capture all three dogs. As it turns out, Animal Control officers were very familiar with the dogs and their owners.
"It was learned through Animal Control that they received numerous calls in reference to these certain pit bulls," said Esquero.
In fact, over the years, Animal Control has responded to the home at least 26 times for animals running loose, dogs fighting and even animal cruelty calls.
The three pit bulls, including one with puppies, will remain at Animal Control until a judge hears the case.
The dogs were current on rabies vaccinations since they'd been captured before for running loose. A judge could decide to have the dogs destroyed, or they could go back to the owners with conditions, such as having a proper enclosure.
(KRQE - Oct 1, 2012)
