Man Caught on Video Repeatedly Stabbing Pit Bull Seemingly Trying to Protect Owner By Samira Asma-Sadeque

Authorities in California have launched an investigation after footage emerged showing a man viciously stabbing a pit bull that was reportedly trying to protect its owner.

Officers responded to the scene near a middle school in Long Beach early on Saturday, Aug. 2, after receiving reports of a stabbing, KTLA reported.

Traffic News Los Angeles (TNLA) footage obtained by the outlet shows the suspect, who is yet to be identified, brandish a knife as he approaches two other men, one of whom is suspected to be the dog’s owner.

As the suspect raises his hand with the knife, the pit bull charges at him, seemingly in a bid to protect its owner, KTLA reported.

The suspect then begins stabbing the pit bull, striking it several times.

The video shows the dog fighting back, barking and jumping at the alleged attacker and trying to bite him before the two other men intervene.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Responding officers rendered aid to the dog before transporting it to a local hospital for treatment, KTLA reported.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach Police’s non-emergency dispatch at 562-435-6711.