Pit bull put down after attacking woman

A pit bull that attacked and severely injured a woman at her home in Pinole on Sunday morning has since been euthanized, according to Contra Costa County Animal Services.

Rescue crews were dispatched to Silverado Drive around 10 a.m. Sunday. At the scene, they found a 40-year-old woman with significant injuries to her face, legs and arms, fire officials said.

Paramedics administered advanced life support treatment and the victim was subsequently flown to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, according to fire officials. An update on the victim’s status was not immediately available today.

Contra Costa County Animal Services Lt. Joe DeCosta said:

“It’s a horrific tragedy for the family. … Not only do we have a severely injured family member but they also lost their pet.”

The pit bull suffered stab wounds and blunt-force trauma from a baseball bat, but DeCosta said those injuries were probably a result of the victim and one other person trying to fight off the attack.

DeCosta said:

“The dog was humanely euthanized. … It’s over at the health department getting tested for rabies.”

DeCosta said Animal Services officials are investigating whether the dog’s owner may have violated a state law requiring pet owners to take precautions with mischievous or dangerous animals.

DeCosta said:

“Was this preventable and is there any liability here? … We’re going to investigate all aspects of the case.”