Yesterday in Emeryville, it turned chaotic when three loose pit bulls attacked outside the Pak ’n Save on San Pablo Avenue, injuring two shoppers and an Emeryville police officer.
The attack happened at about 8:50 AM. Three people were taken to a nearby hospital, including the officer, who suffered a significant bite to his leg. He was treated and later released. Alameda County Fire crews and Emeryville police officers responded to the scene.
How officers stopped the attack
According to The E'ville Eye, an Emeryville police officer arrived to find two people already being attacked by the dogs. The officer used a taser on one of the animals to break up the mauling.
Authorities then secured the three dogs and had them transported to the City of Berkeley Animal Care Services for detention and evaluation. Witnesses told reporters the scene rattled shoppers and drew a large emergency response to the area.
Investigation and tips
The Emeryville Police Department says the incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the department’s nonemergency line at (510) 596-3700, as listed on its public contact page. People experiencing an emergency should continue to call 911.
As of now, the department has not announced any arrests or criminal charges related to the attack.
Owner history and community concerns
Local reporting states that the dogs’ owner lives nearby and uses a wheelchair. Neighbors say they recognize the individual, and sources told reporters the dogs had previously drawn complaints and were involved in at least one earlier biting incident.
The E'ville Eye reported that in earlier animal-control interactions, the same dogs were returned to their owner after prior investigations. Those details are fueling fresh questions among residents about how many complaints should trigger tougher enforcement.
Shelter process and next steps
Berkeley Animal Care Services will evaluate the three pit bulls for both medical needs and behavior to determine whether they should be quarantined, transferred, or otherwise held, in line with the shelter’s stated procedures.
The outcome of that evaluation, combined with the Emeryville police investigation, will determine what ultimately happens to the dogs and whether any enforcement action is taken. Authorities have not announced any plans to charge the owner. Decisions on quarantine, treatment, or other disposition will be made under city and county animal-control rules.
This story will be updated as officials release more information. Anyone with tips is asked to contact the Emeryville Police Department at (510) 596-3700.
