Dog Rescued From Canyon In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — A dog is safe after being rescued from a canyon near a community park in San Diego.

San Diego Humane Society received a call shortly after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday about a large dog running loose in a parking lot at Mission Heights Park at 5000 Acari St., according to the organization.

"According to the caller, the dog (had) been in an altercation with a smaller dog, and was exhibiting aggressive behavior, and growling at bystanders who attempted to approach," Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson said.

When Humane Law Enforcement arrived, the dog had fallen about 30 feet into a nearby canyon and was not moving, Thompson said. Seven members from the Emergency Response Team responded and used a rope system to rescue the 8-year-old Labrador/pit bull terrier mix.

The dog was taken to the Humane Society's San Diego campus and examined by a medical team. Radiographs showed arthritis of the spine, which can be common for senior dogs, Thompson said.

"While his spirits appear broken, the dog has no other immediate notable injuries," Thompson said.

He is currently being supervised while serving a mandatory 72-hour stray hold period and the Humane Society searches for his owner. If no owner comes forward, the dog will also be assessed by the organization's behavior experts.

Humane officers are taking witness statements to investigate any reported attacks. Anyone with information is asked to call the Humane Law Enforcement at 619-299-7012.