Police shoot pit bull; officers feared dog would attack kids

ARIZONA -- Phoenix police officers shot and killed a pit bull Monday after they say the animal attacked another dog, and seemed about to turn on two children.

It happened near 64th Avenue and Van Buren.

 

The kids say the fight between the two dogs was over when police arrived, but the pit bull hadn't left the scene. The kids said they were scared because the animal was still hanging out in the front yard.

"I came outside and saw dogs fighting," says Jaciel Flores. "A pit bull was hanging onto my dog by the neck."

 Jaciel couldn't believe his fluffy dog, Dookie, was under attack by the neighbor's pit bull. "I thought that dog was going to kill mine, so I just freaked out," he says.

"They were fighting awhile, so my grandmother called the cops. But the [attack] didn't stop," he continues. "So my grandma got shovels and hit the pit bull with it."

 Dookie got away and ran for cover. He suffered an injured ear and leg.

 Then police arrived and confronted the pit bull. Officers say the dog appeared to be ready to attack the children, so the officers opened fire, shooting the dog.

The Arizona Humane Society took the dog to try to treat it,  but vets were unable to save it.

It is still unclear who owns the dog.

(AZFamily - Mar 18, 2014)