Thirteen pit bulls were euthanized after they were found to be involved in the fatal mauling of their breeder, authorities confirmed Feb. 20.
Officers found the victim dead at the scene at his Compton home on 900 North Thorson Avenue on Feb. 16 at approximately 7:10 a.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.
They were dispatched to the scene after receiving a call from a woman who claimed to be the victim’s girlfriend, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department said.
The victim, Dominic Cooper, 35, was breeding the 13 dogs at this home, which included five adults and eight puppies.
According to ABC7, he had been feeding them when they then started fighting among themselves and attacked him when he tried to intervene.
It is believed that the attack occurred Feb. 15 around 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m.
The county Department of Animal Care and Control took possession of the animals after the victim’s father signed them over.
They were then taken to the Downey Animal Care Center for examination and later euthanized.
“All dogs were euthanized due to evidence linking them to the attack,” an animal care center spokesman said. “Given the potential threat posed to the community, this action was deemed necessary.”
