Pit bulls on the loose attack and kill two dogs

PORTLAND, Ore. – Police shot and killed a pit bull terrier Monday night after two of the dogs allegedly attacked three smaller dogs, killing one.

The other pit bull escaped and is being sought by Multnomah County Animal Control officers. A second dog that was attacked by the pit bulls later died.

The third dog that was attacked was reportedly severely injured.

The incident took place on Southeast 72nd Avenue near Southeast Crystal Springs Boulevard at about 8 p.m. A police officer responding to the call reportedly opened fire on one of the dogs after it charged him.

The other dog ran off and escaped capture.

Animal control officers think it is probably home by now and they are asking the owner of the dog or dogs to come forward. It appears the dogs escaped from their home and did not live nearby.

The dogs apparently broke through a fence to attack the smaller dogs. The attack marks the latest in a series of attacks by pit bulls in the region.

A pit bull that bit a 6-year-old girl in Madras is expected to be euthanized Tuesday.

The girl required 57 stitches for her injuries. In Washington, another pit bull is under 10-day quarantine after it attacked an 11-year-old girl. It may be euthanized after the quarantine period.

And in Clackamas County, a pit bull that attacked a 7-year-old girl playing on a tire swing was wrestled down by her father and then shot dead by a deputy.

That girl required surgery for her leg injuries.