WEST VIRGINIA -- Two pit bulls were shot after police say they attacked a postal worker in South Hills on Saturday.
Police went to 1210 Bridge Road at about 3:15 p.m. after neighbors called 911, said Charleston Police Sgt. Tony Hazelett.
A woman delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service was severely injured on both hands and bleeding "very badly" when police arrived, according to Hazelett, who was not at the scene but talked with the three officers who were. The woman was taken to CAMC General.
While police were trying to help the woman, the dogs "came at" them, Hazelett said. One dog was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was taken to an emergency animal hospital with a bullet wound.
"As bystanders started coming out of houses, officers had to make a critical decision to take the dogs out," he said.
The dog's owners weren't at home during the incident. Hazelett said no charges had been filed Sunday but expected two counts of dogs running at large and harboring vicious animals would be filed.
"We will be checking the vet and city clerk to see if [the dogs] are registered through the city and up to date on shots," he said.
Animal control officers had never had any prior complaints about the dogs, according to Hazelett.
(wvgazette - April 14, 2013)
