Pit Bull Euthanized After Attacking Owner: Police

CHURCHTON, MD — A South County pit bull was euthanized Monday by Anne Arundel County animal control officers after the dog attacked its owner, authorities said.

Anne Arundel County Police were called to the 1200 block of Delaware Avenue in Churchton about 8:30 a.m. after a resident called 911 to report a pit bull was attacking its owner. The caller told police the dog was biting the owner’s arm and would not release the owner from its grasp.

When police officers arrived at the residence, the caller said they had forcibly removed the pit bull from the owner, who was able to retreat into her residence. Meanwhile, the dog was cornered on the front porch.

In their report, officers said they could hear the owner screaming for help from inside the home, but they could not get past the dog to administer medical aid to the victim.

Police officers captured the dog using a pole with a restraint, then forced their way into the house to treat the owner.

Fire department personnel took the dog owner to a local hospital for treatment of injuries to her arm, hand, and leg.

Animal Control removed the dog from the house. The owner surrendered the dog to the county and the animal has been euthanized.

Maryland Laws on Pit Bulls

Maryland law has wrestled in recent years with how to regulate the breed.

The 2012 Maryland Court of Appeals opinion in Tracey v. Solesky said that the breed is “inherently dangerous.” The ruling held dog owners and landlords liable for any attacks by pit bulls, prompting landlords statewide to ban the dogs from rental housing.

A 2014 Maryland law supported by the Humane Society overturned the breed-specific ruling, reports The Huffington Post.

Known as S.B. 247, the law took a new stance on dog breed specific legislation and the limitations that many dog owners face, particularly pit bull owners in Maryland. The legislation places equal liability on all dog owners regardless of what breed of dog they own.