Pit bulls destroyed in wake of attack

Times Colonist
Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Two pit bulls were turned over to the Capital Regional District animal control and destroyed Monday after they attacked a woman walking her Shih Tzu.

The woman and her small dog were set upon by the two American Staffordshire terriers -- pit bulls -- about 7:20 a.m. in the 800-block of Viewfield Road in Esquimalt.

"As they were passing a particular residence two American Staffordshire terriers ran from the yard and attacked the small dog, which is a Shih Tzu cross," said Victoria police Const. Rick Anthony.

"The owner attempted to protect her dog and was bitten several times in the hands. The dog was also bitten several times in the hind quarters."

Passersby ran to assist and eventually were able to restrain the attacking dogs, Anthony said.

Don Brown, head of CRD animal control, said the attack was serious and the owners agreed to the animals' destruction.

"When there's a serious attack like that we try to convince the owners it's the right thing to do. Usually it's a good time to get them to do that. We find if we wait, they get second thoughts."

Both the woman and her dog required treatment for their injuries.