Dog May Be Euthanized After Torrance Residents Claim Multiple Attacks

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — Residents say they have complained to city officials for years about a dog in their neighborhood they believed was unsafe.

The dog is now being held at the Carson animal shelter after she was accused of attacking someone for at least the second time.

Half a dozen residents say they've been attacked by a local German shepherd named Nala, and some have taken to referring to the canine as "Devil dog."

Dimitri Ramirez says that the dog bit his 7-year-old on a thigh in 2013, and states that she will need plastic surgery to remove the scars from the attack.

However, according to Ramirez, she was not the dog's only victim.

"It's bitten and gone after many people in this neighborhood," Ramirez said.

Along with several other neighbors, Ramirez has complained to the city about the dog for years, going so far as to start a blog about the dog.

Randy Fortunato, another resident, says the dog bit his wife's back twice, and that he's seen other neighbors being attacked.

"The city has allowed this dog to stay, and that's what upsets all the neighbors," Fortunato said. "We shouldn't live in fear. This is a great neighborhood."

While Nala's owner refused to comment on the matter, animal control officials say that previous hearings allowed her to stay with her owners, given that they follow certain requirements.

Animal control had removed Nala from her home after another attack was reported, and says Nala's next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. If it is determined that the dog is dangerous, she will be removed from the city and may be put down.

Residents, meanwhile, say they hope the dog is gone permanently.

"It doesn't belong in this neighborhood. There are too many children, too many concerned parents."