Two hurt after five dogs escape St. Pete home

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Five pit bulls under quarantine after police say they climbed out a window and went on the attack. They tore through a St. Pete neighborhood, sending one woman to the hospital.

It happened on 21st Street S.  The homeowner wasn't home, but the dogs were able to get through a first-floor window, then attacked people on the street.

"I was walking across the street right there, standing next to the pole, and that dog saw me and ran towards me,” recalled Laquanda Butler.  “I tried to get into my house but that's where he got me."

Police were called to the neighborhood around 9:30.  While the homeowner was away, they say, the pit bulls were able to get through a window before attacking butler and her 62-year-old neighbor.

Robin Macon was bitten several times and had to be taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Laquanda was also planning to get checked out.

"He broke the flesh,” she continued.  “I have to get to the hospital because I don't' know if they've had their shots."

Someone from the home eventually made it back to help police and Animal Control officers gain control of the situation.

"They used fire extinguishers, they tried to use pepper spray on the dogs,” police spokesperson Yolanda Fernandez stated.

Police say the dog’s owner won’t face criminal charges because she did not intentionally direct them to attack her neighbors.

"She just moved to the neighborhood; ain’t even been here a week, not even five days actually,” Butler added.

The dogs will remain with Animal Control while an investigation is underway to see if they'll be reunited with the owner.