Authorities: Pit bull shot after owner orders it to attack

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Authorities say deputies shot and killed a pit bull in South Carolina after its owner ordered the dog to attack officers surrounding his home.

Greenville County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Flood said the man refused to come out of his home Tuesday afternoon after deputies were called to a domestic disturbance.

Flood says the man threatened to release the pit bull on officers several times, then finally ordered the dog to attack. The sheriff’s spokesman says at least one officer fired on the dog as it charged at deputies, killing the animal. The man then surrendered.

Authorities say they are trying to confirm the man’s identity but had not immediately brought charges.

Flood says no one was injured.