17-year-old girl injured after being attacked by pit bull



MILWAUKEE (WITI) — A 17-year-old girl sustained injuries to her arms, a leg and shoulder area after being attacked by a pit bull Monday, September 23rd. Witnesses say a quick-thinking neighbor did what he had to do to save the teen.

It happened just before 6:00 p.m. Monday.

Police say the girl was walking in an alley in the 7800 block of W. Grantosa with a friend when a five-year-old pit bull attacked her. During the attack, a nearby citizen heard her screams, and began hitting the dog with a shovel in an attempt to help the girl.

At that time, the dog stopped attacking the 17-year-old girl and began attacking her friend.

While the citizen attempted to stop the dog with a shovel, his son obtained a .45 caliber handgun, and shot the dog once. The injured dog was taken to the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission.

"We heard somebody screaming -- thinking it was just kids. Then we heard a gunshot. We ran out back and were told to stay in the house -- that the dog was loose," Patricia Conrad said.

Police say the individual fired in a safe direction and no citizens were endangered. Authorities say the swift actions by both citizens involved prevented further injuries to the victim and any other citizens from being injured.

"Oh he was very careful. Shot the dog in the shoulder, and the dog ran home. He loves dogs and didn't want to kill it, but he had to do something to protect that woman," Conrad said.

The owner of the pit bull was issued a citation for allowing an animal to run at large, and two additional related citations. The owner gave up the dog, and as a precaution, it was put down on Tuesday morning.

Jessica Huber at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission says most dog attacks like this can be prevented.

"Don’t leave them unprotected out in a yard. Even if you’re at home, there are cases where neighbor kids will open fences and dogs will run loose so definitely if you’re not home, don’t leave them out in a yard unattended," Huber said.

Officials have not released any information on the victim's condition.