ST. PETERSBURG - Two pit bullterriers were shot by a Pinellas Sheriff's deputy Thursday after they attacked an 89-year-old woman.
One dog died at the scene; the other was euthanized. The owner of the dogs, 21-year-old Jason Jarvis, was cited for violating a county code on public nuisance animals.
Marianne Pasha, a sheriff's spokeswoman, said the pit bulls were running loose about 12:30 p.m. Thursday when they bit and scratched Sophie Cucci.
Cucci was walking in the area of 6657 50th Ave. N when the dogs ran from their yard, deputies said.
Cucci suffered superficial bites, deputies said. She was treated at an area hospital.
Deputy Michael Pace responded to the neighborhood after Cucci was bit. The dogs, named Savannah and Pork Chop, were roaming around the neighborhood, deputies said.
"They advanced toward the deputy and were acting aggressive," Pasha said. "The deputy backed up, and the dogs continued to come toward him."
