THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, December 19, 1995 TAG: 9512190300
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
A pit bull named Zeus was shot to death Monday afternoon after it attacked and injured an animal control officer, an official reported.
Lt. Philip McKeon, an animal control official, said an officer was called to a report of a pit bull running loose in the 1900 block of Parkview Ave. about 2:30 p.m.
After reporting that the dog was feisty, the animal control officer called in another animal control unit. The two officers then faced off with Zeus near the side of a house.
``The pit bull took one look and went for the male officer,'' McKeon said.
``He went for a frontal attack.''
Officer Mark Kumpf was trying to snare the animal with a steel catch pole when the pit pull charged. The force of the dog's attack bent the pole at a 40-degree angle, injuring Kumpf, McKeon said.
McKeon said the Kumpf is believed to have suffered a fractured arm.
The officers then called Norfolk police for assistance. When they arrived, Zeus again attacked and police were advised to shoot the animal, McKeon said.
The dog's owner, who arrived while officers were there, was charged with maintaining a vicious dog and allowing the animal to remain at large.
McKeon could not identify the owner. by CNB