Search Continues For 2nd Pit Bull In San Jose Mauling
SAN JOSE (BCN) -- Officers are continuing to search Thursday for the second pit bull that attacked a woman in front of her house as she was trying to get into her car in San Jose Monday night.
The 41-year-old woman was attacked by two pit bulls around 6:20 p.m. in front of her home at 3000 Whitesand Drive, police said.
Animal control and police officers captured one of the pit bulls the following night near Aborn Road and Murillo Avenue after receiving a tip from a resident in the neighborhood, animal control Sgt. Jay Terrado said.
The resident told police the animal was acting aggressively, Terrado said.
The dog appeared to be healthy, but had some minor scrapes that might have been caused by the victim's neighbor, Juan Valencia, who reportedly threw stones at the dogs to try to prevent the attack.
The dog was wearing a collar but not a leash and the owner still has not been identified, Terrado said.
The owner could face animal cruelty and other charges depending on the history of the dogs, he said.
The dog will be quarantined at a shelter until the investigation is complete.
The victim is recovering at home from injuries that she suffered to her right forearm, right bicep, left upper leg, and upper and lower back, Terrado said. He said her injuries were severe and she was "extremely traumatized."
Councilwoman Rose Herrera issued a statement Wednesday expressing her concern for the victim and commending Valencia for his quick thinking in scaring the dogs away.
She said she would seek necessary policy changes regarding dangerous dogs.
"When it comes to large dog attacks, San Jose must make sure we have the proper tools for prevention and regulation of dangerous dogs," Herrera said. "We can't wait for another attack in our community to put in place prevention measures."
In the meantime, officers will continue to do a street-by-street search within three to five miles of the attack for the second pit bull, Terrado said.
He described it as muscular, brindle-colored, which is a mixture of brown, black and white, with cropped ears, and possibly wearing a black collar.
Terrado urged residents to either call 911 or San Jose Animal Care and Services at (408) 578-7297 if they have information about either of the pit bulls.
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