Pit Bulls Nearly Rip Off Woman's Cheek in Riverside

The victim's dog survived, but the attacking pups will be euthanized, animal control officials said

A woman who was attacked by two pit bulls in Riverside while walking her own dog underwent surgery Monday.

The victim, identified only as Tina by her family, was severely bitten on the right side of her face and also had a gaping wound on her right arm, according to a statement issued by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

"They almost ripped her cheek all the way off," said Chris, the victim's son who wanted his family's last name kept anonymous.

The attack occurred about 10:50 a.m. in the 4000 block of Sixth Street, where Tina was walking her dog along the sidewalk. The pit bulls -- both non-neutered males, ages 4 months and 2 years -- leaped over a fence and attacked Tina and her dog, according to the statement.

"This poor woman was just walking down the street and (was) attacked without provocations," Animal Services Director Robert Miller said. "Her injuries are very serious and our thoughts and prayers go out to her as she recovers from these wounds."

The dogs’ owner and a relative rushed to pull the dogs off the victim after they heard her yelling.

"I heard screaming. Screaming like you (hear) in the movies," said Terry Fury, the owner's relative. "Like people being attacked by monsters."

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The owner of the pit bulls seemed genuinely upset about the attack, according to Krista Stewart, one of the responding animal control officers.

The dogs were given up by their owner for euthanasia, animal control officials said. They will be tested for rabies at a county lab before they are put down.

The owner of the two pit bulls was cited $100 for having two animals stray at large and for having an unlicensed adult dog, according to the statement.

Tina's dog, Max, survived the attack, animal control officials said.

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