Roaming pit bulls threaten two people, attack dog in its own yard

By Linda Trest, Staff Writer
Posted 2/19/21

Two pit bulls were shot by a Gerald police officer after exhibiting threatening behavior toward two people and attacking another dog.  

  According to Gerald Police Chief Jim Helton, a …

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Roaming pit bulls threaten two people, attack dog in its own yard

Posted

Two pit bulls were shot by a Gerald police officer after exhibiting threatening behavior toward two people and attacking another dog. 

 According to Gerald Police Chief Jim Helton, a utility worker was approaching a home on S. Bernhardt Ave. when he says two pit bulls approached him in an aggressive manner and began growling. The worker quickly entered the home and called police. 

Officer Brandon McCulloch responded to the call, but the dogs had disappeared. As McCulloch was interviewing the utility worker, they heard people yelling and a dog yelping behind a nearby home.  McCulloch raced toward the sounds and the utility worker followed. They found a couple at the back door of their home, and a German Shepherd on its back, being attacked by two pit bulls. One had the Shepherd by the throat, the other by the back legs. 

The male owner of the Shepherd was beating the attacking dogs with a long wooden pole until it broke. The pit bulls would still not release the Shepherd. The man went inside to get a firearm. 

It was then that McCulloch and the utility worker arrived on the scene. 

Verbal attempts to get the pit bulls to let go did nothing. McCulloch then shot one of the pit bulls. The gunshot did not make the second pit bull loosen its grip, so it was also shot. 

The German Shepherd, which was attacked just feet from its back door, was roughed up and limping after the attack, according to Helton. 

McCulloch called Helton immediately after the shooting to report that he had discharged his firearm. Helton arrived on the scene in a few minutes and began interviewing all witnesses. 

The female owner of the Shepherd said she opened her back door to find the pit bulls just feet away. They began growling at her. Her Shepherd positioned himself between the pregnant woman and the pit bulls and was attacked, according to her statement. 

The owners of the pit bulls, who live a few blocks from the attack,  arrived at the scene. One of their dogs was still alive and they took it to receive medical attention. Helton believes the dog later died from its injuries. The second dog was dead at the scene. 

Helton told The Republican, “It was a difficult circumstance, but my officer did what he had to do to ensure the safety of the dog being attacked and its owners.” 

“Owners are responsible for the control and custody of their animals,” Helton stated. 

A report of the incident will be forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney who will determine if any charges will be filed. 

More details will be available in the next issue of The Gasconade County Republican.