California: Parents ignored law that said their pit bull had to be neutered. Off-duty police officer shot and killed dog as it was in the middle of mauling the face and head of their 4-year-old son.

CALIFORNIA -- A 4-year-old boy is recovering Tuesday after being mauled by his family's pit bull Monday afternoon, officials said.

According to Fontana Police, around 3:30 p.m. Monday, officers were sent to the 7600 block of Honeysuckle Street for reports of shots fired, and a dog had been shot after attacking a child.

Around the same time, police reported two off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officers who live in the area responded to the home to assist the mother.

One officer shot and killed the dog as it was chewing on the child’s head and face, police said.

Fontana officers said that when they arrived, the mother told them that their male pit bull, which had not been neutered, had attacked her 4-year-old son in his home.

The child was rushed to Loma Linda Medical Center for treatment.  Both of the boy’s ears are severed, and he has numerous puncture wounds to his head and face, police said.

“The entire community is supportive and praying for a speedy recovery,” Fontana Police Department spokeswoman Martha Guzman-Hurtado said.  “Our hearts go out to this child and his family during this traumatic time.”

BREED SPECIFIC LAW IN FONTANA THAT THE CHILD'S PARENTS IGNORED

Fontana adopted a pit-bull ordinance in 2011, requiring owners of pit bulls and mixed breed to spay or neuter their dogs before they reach the age of 4 months, officials reported.

The parents should be charged. Their mauler was supposed to be neutered.

Police say that research suggests dogs left intact may be more aggressive with age. Fontana police and LAPD are investigating the incident.

(CBS Los Angeles - July 8, 2014)