Search continues for "vicious" pit bulls that attacked at least 2 people in Fairmount Park in West Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, specifically in Fairmount Park, a concerning incident involving a pack of loose dogs unfolded during the early morning of January 12, 2025. Around 2:30 a.m., police received reports of multiple "vicious dogs" seen near the 3600 block of Chamounix Drive. Officers arrived on the scene to discover several pit bulls. One dog was captured during the initial efforts, but four others responded aggressively, with one even charging at a police officer. In a desperate situation, the officer fired at the charging dog but missed, causing the dogs to flee into the nearby woods. As the hours progressed, around 9:30 a.m., the situation escalated when two men, aged 61 and 60, were attacked by some of the same loose dogs near 2200 Chamounix Drive. The injuries sustained during the attack were severe enough to require immediate medical attention, leading to both men being transported to hospitals. The elder of the two was reported in critical condition while the other was stable and treated before being released. The incident prompted the police to set traps in the area to capture the remaining dogs. Efforts by the Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT Philly) to contain the situation faced significant challenges, as most of the dogs exhibited aggressive behavior during the attempts to tranquilize them. Despite catching one dog, fears grew in the community regarding the safety issues posed by such dangerous animals being on the loose. ACCT Philly's executive director, Sarah Barnett, expressed concern over the potential negative perception of dogs resulting from this incident and underlined the importance of public safety. The captured dog was euthanized the following Monday. Barnett indicated that the remaining dogs are believed to be around 40 to 60 pounds and likely mixed breed pit bulls. This troubling attack has led public officials to urge citizens to avoid Fairmount Park until the remaining dogs are apprehended. Local authorities are appealing for information from the community regarding any sightings of the dogs, emphasizing that tips can be provided anonymously. This incident, unfortunately, highlights broader concerns regarding the control of dangerous dogs and the implications of animal abandonment.