‘Stealth predator’: L.A.’s famous mountain lion, P-22, killed Hollywood Hills Chihuahua for snack, police say
It’s unclear if the attack was a planned one. The Los Angeles Police Department said no investigation was underway. Police said the department’s Animal Cruelty Unit was investigating, along with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
P-22 was taken to a rescue center after the incident on Dec. 5, and was released on Monday.
Police said they’re treating the case as animal cruelty.
“Any animal that is terrorizing our community is taken very seriously,” Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Richard Hall told the newspaper. “I’m sure this animal was released today so that we can come up with whatever is appropriate for her.”
Get Breaking News Delivered to Your Inbox
The L.A. Police Department and Department of Animal Services did not immediately respond to request for comment.
According to the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, P-22 was living in an open field before she was attacked by a mountain lion that had been spotted nearby.
Police said P-22, who’s a Chihuahua-Yorkie mix, was taken from the field and dumped near a busy road on the 210-block of Santa Monica Boulevard between Sunset Boulevard and Vermont Street. The dog lived in a yard behind the house attached to the home’s garage.
“This animal is not a victim. She’s an aggressor who intentionally preyed upon one of the most famous and vulnerable members of the canine community, an attack and resulting death of a beloved member of the canine world,” L.A. Animal Care & Control Director Mary Whalen said in the report.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it would temporarily close a road in the Santa Monica Mountains because of the mountain lion’s attack on P-22. The department said it would temporarily close the road until it was determined