NEW YORK -- A pit bull that severely bit two young men and later charged at an Elmira police officer was shot and killed by that officer Saturday afternoon.
The dog, one of two pit bulls involved in the incident, jumped the fence at 351 Grove St. a little after 4 p.m. and bit the two neighbors.
Elmira Police Lt. Mike Suhey said the men were bitten on their hands, arms, legs and one in his crotch area. He said the bites were severe.
The dog’s owner came out, picked up the pit bull and put it back in the fenced-in area, Suhey said.
Meanwhile, police and firefighters arrived and a crowd of neighbors began forming in the area. Things got chaotic, Suhey said.
As firefighters treated the injured men, police officers placed themselves between the fenced area and firefighters, Suhey said.
But the same dog jumped the fence again and charged at the officers.
Suhey said the officer who shot the dog did not have a choice.
“If the dog had gotten past the officer, it could have bitten firefighters or anyone in the crowd,” Suhey said. “He did the right thing.”
Craig Spencer, Elmira animal control officer, also was at the scene and quickly got a lasso around the second pit bull and took it into custody.
The two injured men were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Suhey said the pit bulls were licensed and up to date on their shots. He also said the investigation is continuing.
(Star Gazette - Jun 15, 2013)
