TAMPA
A police officer shot and killed one pit bull and seriously injured another after the dogs attacked and killed a poodle as it was being walked by its owner then turned on the officer, Tampa police said.
Police said they responded to the attack about 5:55 a.m. Monday at the N 37th Street home of Keithroy George.
The attack occurred as George was walking his poodle Simba. Two pit bull dogs escaped from a nearby home and mauled the animal to death before the officer arrived, police said.
The pit bulls then turned on the police officer, who fired several shots, killing one dog, named White Boy, and seriously injuring the other, named Tito.
Neither the officer nor the owner of the poodle were injured.
Tampa police and Hillsborough County Animal Control are investigating the incident.
Times staff