BY BREANNE GILPATRICK
The Associated Press
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LAUDERHILL, Fla. — A Lauderhill police officer shot two pit bulls, killing one, after the dogs attacked him and a Broward animal control officer this morning, authorities said.
The officers were investigating an animal cruelty complaint in the 3700 block of NW 1st Court shortly before 11 a.m. when the two dogs charged at them through an open fence, pinning the police officer against his car, according to the Lauderhill Police Department.
The officer then shot at each dog, killing one and sending the other to an animal hospital in Hollywood, said Lt. Mike Cochran, a Lauderhill police spokesman.
''As soon as he got out of the car, the dogs attacked,’' he said. ``Out of fear for himself and the poor animal control guy, he shot the dogs.’'
Both the Lauderhill police officer and the animal control officer were ''understandably shaken’’ but unhurt, Cochran said.
The dogs were unleashed and each weighed between 85 and 90 pounds, according to police.
Broward County Animal Control and Lauderhill Police are investigating the incident.
Police want to know if the dogs’ owner violated a city law requiring the animals to be kept on a leash, Cochran said.
Copyright 2007 Miami Herald