Deputy shoots pit bull after father deflects attack on young daughter

By Associated Press

Summary

The Clackamas County sheriff's office says the girl, Jayda Kempas, was bitten severely on the leg Wednesday and would undergo surgery. The girl's father was injured as well. A rabies test on the dog is planned.

Story Published: Nov 20, 2008 at 5:02 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 7:07 PM PST

Deputy shoots pit bull after father deflects attack on young daughter

OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - A sheriff's deputy killed a 90-pound pit bull that attacked a 7-year-old girl on a tire swing in Happy Valley.

The Clackamas County sheriff's office says the girl, Jayda Kempas, was bitten severely on the leg Wednesday and would undergo surgery.

Deputy Greg Martin says that if the girl's father, National Guard Staff Sgt. Steven Hehr, had not wrestled the dog away, she likely would have died.

Hehr's shoulder was dislocated, and he was bitten.

While Hehr held it down, a bystander beat the dog with an aluminum baseball bat until he was exhausted, and then the dog's owner took up the bat.

But the dog could not be subdued.

Finally, Martin arrived and shot it.

The pit bull's body will be tested for rabies.