- April 19, 2024
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A five-year-old pit bull mix, which was supposed to be under quarantine by its owner, was shot and killed after attacking a police officer on Monday. The dog, named Tank, had attacked and killed three dogs on April 23.
At 6:38 a.m. Monday, Ormond Beach Police responded to a 911 call at 14A Byron Ellinor Drive, in reference to a pit bull mauling a cat. They found the dog’s owner, June Davisworth, 83, in the bushes in the backyard holding the dog down with a garden hoe. Davisworth lives at 6A Cypress Circle.
When Officer David Labrie went into the bushes to help, the dog attacked him, and “went for his throat,” according to the incident report. Labrie was able to wrestle the dog to ground, but received several bites on his neck and forearm.
Fearing for LaBrie’s safety, Officer Stephen Mills shot the dog with his Glock .40-caliber service weapon.
Three people who live at the Byron Ellinor Drive address provided witness statements.
Officer LaBrie’s injuries from the dog attack required medical treatment. The cat was killed by the dog.
Investigation revealed that the same dog was under quarantine orders for attacking three dogs on April 23 at 12A Byron Ellinor Drive. It had escaped from its backyard through an open gate, according to the incident report. The three dogs died and their owner, who resides at 12A Byron Ellinor Drive, received two puncture wounds to her fingers, while trying to break up the fight.
After that incident, the dog was ordered to be under quarantine for 10 days by Ormond Beach Animal Control. The dog was ordered to be on a leash when outside.
Davisworth told the officer that she had let the dog out to go to the bathroom, and said the dog took off after the cat. She saw it was killing the cat so she grabbed the hoe and was trying to get it free when officers arrived.
When an animal is quarantined, it is required to be kept under observation for a minimum of ten days, according to a form issued by Ormond Beach Animal Control. At the discretion of the animal control officer, the animal can be kept at the owner’s home, rather than a veterinarian or the humane society. Death, sickness or unusual behavior must be reported immediately by the owner.
A police spokesman said animal control officers are investigating the case. Charges against the dog owner had not been filed at press time.
