2 Pit Bulls That Attacked Man, Woman Being Sought

Los Angeles Animal Services officers on Wednesday searched for two pit bulls in a neighborhood where a man and a woman were viciously attacked Monday night.

Although officers with animal services’ Special Enforcement Unit impounded two pit bulls on Tuesday, the victims told authorities on Wednesday that the dogs held at the agency’s shelter in Chatsworth were not the ones that attacked them.

Victim Gary Guerrero told authorities that the dogs that bit him on both inner thighs as he changed a tire in front of his house in the 11000 block of Gaynor Avenue were different in color and size than those in custody.

The other victim, Veronica Arce, also told authorities that another pair of dogs bit her on both arms and her left leg as she walked along Index Street near Gaynor.

Meanwhile, the impounded dogs’ owners arrived at the shelter Wednesday to claim their pets, authorities said. They learned of the pit bull attacks from news reports and went to the shelter once they realized their dogs were missing.

“The owners came in and were asked to pay an impound fee and they were cited for violating the city’s leash law,” said Jackie David, an animal services spokeswoman. “They are thinking twice about letting them loose again.”

Special Enforcement Unit officers are not expected to patrol the neighborhood today, but will respond to calls if the dogs are seen roaming the area, David said.

On Wednesday, officers in trucks patrolled an area bordered by Rinaldi Street, Haskell Avenue, San Fernando Mission and Monogram Avenue.

Officers Miguel Gonzalez, Eric Gardner and Jesse Castillo walked along Index, stopping to search a yard at a vacant house. On nearby Montgomery Avenue, they asked residents and a letter carrier if they had seen any stray pit bulls.

“If dogs are on the run, they could be out of the area within five minutes,” said Lt. Tim Goffa, head of the Special Enforcement Unit. Authorities are looking for two males, one marbled with cropped ears, the other tan.

If the dogs are sighted, animal services officials warn people not to try to capture them. They should call (888) 452-7381 and ask for the East Valley Shelter in North Hollywood.