Pit Bull (KTLA-TV)
BELL GARDENS - An animal control officer had half her thumb severed in an attack by two pit bulls in Bell Gardens.
Officer Martha Muro was conducting a follow-up visit on a sanitation complaint at a home on Live Oak Street Thursday when the attack occurred, according to Captain Aaron Reyes of the Southeast Area Animal ControlAuthority.
As the 26-year-old officer spoke to the homeowner, two pitt bulls escaped through a hole in a chain-link gate and went after her.
Muro tried to escape but one of the dogs, a male, latched onto her baton and wrestled her to the ground.
The dog went after Muro's face and neck and bit her, Reyes said. When the owner approached, Muro was able to break free and a neighbor called for help.
About half of the officer's thumb was torn off.
The male pit bull was later euthanized, Reyes said.
The other dog, a female, was under observation.
Muro was hospitalized and doctors were trying to determine whether a recovered portion of her thumb could be re-attached, Reyes said.
The attack is under investigation.
Officer Martha Muro was conducting a follow-up visit on a sanitation complaint at a home on Live Oak Street Thursday when the attack occurred, according to Captain Aaron Reyes of the Southeast Area Animal ControlAuthority.
As the 26-year-old officer spoke to the homeowner, two pitt bulls escaped through a hole in a chain-link gate and went after her.
Muro tried to escape but one of the dogs, a male, latched onto her baton and wrestled her to the ground.
The dog went after Muro's face and neck and bit her, Reyes said. When the owner approached, Muro was able to break free and a neighbor called for help.
About half of the officer's thumb was torn off.
The male pit bull was later euthanized, Reyes said.
The other dog, a female, was under observation.
Muro was hospitalized and doctors were trying to determine whether a recovered portion of her thumb could be re-attached, Reyes said.
The attack is under investigation.
