Pit Bulls Attack Family, Mom Stabs Dog To Death In LA County: Reports

PICO RIVERA, CA — Several people were hurt when two pit bulls reportedly attacked a family in Pico Rivera — including a 1-year-old girl — and the girl’s mother stabbed one of the dogs to death with a knife to protect her, according to reports.

The attack happened around 10:15 p.m. Sunday at a Homebrook Street home, multiple media outlets reported. Patch has reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department and sheriff's department for information and will update when we hear back.

Margaret Ann Morales told KABC she was in bed when family members screamed.

"I walked into the kitchen and that's when I (saw)...my two daughters and my son on the floor trying to get the dogs off. Finally my daughter got up...and that's when I (saw) my granddaughter. I (saw) the dog was latched on her left leg," Margaret Morales said. "That's when I had to actually get my hand into his jaws and open them up and that's when he released her."

The girl suffered injuries to her shoulders, legs, and ankles, and was undergoing surgery, KTTV reported. She will then be taken to an intensive care unit.

Her mother, Jamie Morales, told KTTV she stabbed the dog to get it off of her daughter. Jaime Morales was bitten in the face and arm.

"It was either him or my daughter and I chose my daughter," Jaime Morales said. "I did what I had to do because he wouldn’t let go."

The two dogs were both 3-year-old, blue-nose pit bulls that had been owned by the child's grandmother since they were puppies, KNBC reported. The dog that was stabbed died, and the other was expected to be euthanized, the family told KNBC.