Animal care and control officers have been warning people to be careful and on the lookout for two pit bulls responsible for two separate attacks.

McLaren Park is a very large park - the city's second-largest. Officers had to a lot of ground to cover. They came to warn others and to try to find the pit bulls themselves.

The attacks happened Saturday at opposite ends of the park. In both incidents, the pit bulls - roaming around by themselves - attacked a dog, then its owner.

Both dogs - a beagle and west highland terrier - suffered serious bite wounds. At least one of them had to undergo surgery.

The owners also had dog bites after trying to stop the attacks. One reportedly had serious injuries to the hand, which required surgery as well.

ABC7 talked to a witness who saw one of the attacks.

J.W. Maslin, witness: 'The beagle was pretty much hurt. His paw was chewed up and part of its face was pretty good. And the gentleman that tried to break it up got his hands in the way of the pit bull's mouth."

Andrew O'Brien, SF Animal Care and Control: "They could still be in the park, or they could have left the park, or they could be back at the house where they came from. The owner might not be even aware that this happened. Some dogs run in the park, cause trouble and go back to their yard and the owner might not even be aware."

The two dogs survived their injuries. They are still at an animal hospital.

As for the pit bulls, one is described as a light brindle female; the other, a tan and white male. Anyone with information is urged to call San Francisco Animal Care and Control.

Last Updated: May 31, 2005