Veteran defends killing pit bull at Nassau County animal clinic

ORIGINAL STORY: Police report pit bull shot, killed after attacking veteran's service dog

A local Army veteran who police say shot and killed a pit bull that was attacking his service dog at a Nassau County animal clinic took to Facebook to tell his side of the story.

In the Facebook post, Jim Strickland said he wanted to tell a quick version of the story because he was getting a lot of questions from people.

He said he took his VA service dog to the vet for a routine checkup.

Strickland goes on to describe the moment the pit bull attacked him and his service dog. "The pit didn't have a collar or leash and the female handler had no control." Strickland stated.

He said the pit bull ran about 35 feet toward his service dog.

Strickland said the female and male handler had no control of the animal.

"I did what was necessary to defend myself and my dog from an attack" Strickland states in the Facebook post.

He also writes an appreciation for the police who investigated the shooting. He says they were courteous and professional and returned his gun, the rounds and his carry permit.

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