LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas Metro Police will train officers to better handle aggressive dogs after two recent incidents left pit bulls dead.
KSNV-TV reports that Officer James Ledogar shot a pit bull last week after it grabbed his police dog by the throat.
Ledogar said it was a life-or-death situation for his dog, who is named Reno.
It is not the only recent Las Vegas incident involving aggressive dogs.
Two seniors were left seriously injured after four pit bulls attacked them in their neighborhood. Police killed one of the dogs when it charged them.
Metro Police are developing training on non-lethal ways to handle aggressive dogs, such as by using the catch poles employed by animal control officers.
Animal rights advocate Gina Greisen said she supports the Metro's training.