Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station officials said no charges have been filed yet related to their investigation into an incident in which a man was bitten by a dog in Val Verde last week.
Patrol deputies responded to the 29700 block of Cromwell Avenue the night of March 3, along with the Department of Animal Care and Control, according to officials.
Animal care officials labeled the initial call, “a dog running at large and biting a man in the hand,” according to a March 4 email from Paul Maradiaga, animal control manager.
Shirley Miller, a spokeswoman with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, said deputies responded and found a man who had sustained serious injuries to his hand.
Video shared with The Signal shows a confrontation in which loud barking can be heard, and then yelling and an initial shot, and then several shots being fired. SCV Sheriff’s Station officials did not mention the nature of the incident; however, Miller confirmed the shooting was part of an active investigation as of Monday afternoon, with detectives looking into a report of a possible violation of Penal Code section 399.
“The deputy did discharge his firearm,” Miller confirmed in a text message March 3, adding the dog was struck.
Department of Animal Care and Control officials said the dog was taken to the Palmdale Animal Care Center for treatment but it ultimately had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.
California Penal Code section 399(b) states: “If any person owning … a mischievous animal, knowing its propensities, willfully suffers it to go at large, or keeps it without ordinary care, and the animal … causes serious bodily injury who has taken all the precautions that the circumstances permitted, or which a reasonable person would ordinarily take in the same situation, is guilty of a felony.”
Neighbors mentioned hearing the incident on March 4, and one indicated there had been previous complaints, but none wanted to speak on the record as of Tuesday.
Animal Care officials said two additional dogs were confiscated from the property due to the severity of the incident and the fact that the animal care officers at the scene reported that the two additional dogs also exhibited aggressive behavior.
The owner of the dog on Cromwell Avenue answered the door March 3 and confirmed her dog had been killed in the shooting.
She did not want to speak regarding the incident or be identified; however, she shared a statement with The Signal in response to the March 3 incident.
“We are profoundly saddened and deeply remorseful for the tragic incident involving our dogs and our neighbors. This was an unforeseen accident that caused real harm, and we extend our heartfelt apologies to everyone affected. As new residents who value the safety and harmony of this neighborhood, we strive to be responsible pet owners and respectful community members.
“We are fully cooperating with local authorities and the animal shelter,” read the statement. “We’re implementing the required enhanced containment measures on the property, have arranged professional behavioral evaluations and training for the two dogs we still have. And reviewing every aspect of our daily routines to ensure this never happens again. Our family is committed to making this right and to being the kind of neighbors who add value, never problems. We hope our community can move forward from this unfortunate event with the same understanding and good will we have always tried to show.”
