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KPBS Midday Edition

Pit Bull Attack Raises Questions Over Pet Regulations

Nearly half of all dogs at animal shelters are pit bulls or pit bull mixed-breeds.
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Nearly half of all dogs at animal shelters are pit bulls or pit bull mixed-breeds.

Bad Dog Or Bad Owner?
GuestsDan DeSousa, Lieutenant with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services Micaela Myers, pit bull owner and volunteer at Stubbydog.org

An attack on two San Diego runners in Valley Center this weekend has revived questions about the safety of keeping pit bulls as pets.

Richard Garritson, 21, and his 20-year-old brother John were running with other family members when a pack of dogs attacked. The dogs bit at Richard's legs and armpit. He called on John to help him, at which point his brother was also attacked.

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Garritson underwent surgery for his injuries, according to the AP. He said that, during the attack, he thought he was going to die.

Four 7-month-old pit bulls involved in the attack were put down at the owner's request, according to the AP.

This incident comes just months after a horrific pit bull attack on a 75-year-old woman in Paradise Hills.

While some San Diegans are asking for the breed to be regulated under tighter restrictions, others claim pit bulls are good dogs getting a bad rap.

Are you concerned about pit bulls in your neighborhood? Do you own a pit bull? We'll discuss on Midday Edition (audio on left) and on Evening Edition.

Corrected: March 18, 2024 at 8:52 PM PDT
The Associated Press contributed information to this story.
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