A night out came with some unexpected drama for a Lake Balboa woman late Friday night when she rushed home to find her house burglarized, and her German shepherd pepper-sprayed by the intruders.
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LAPD West Valley officers and a police helicopter responded to a burglary in progress at around 10:15 p.m. in the 7300 block of Leescott Avenue. By the time officers arrived, though, whoever had been at the house already fled the scene.
When officers entered the home, they were met with the pungent, choking smell of pepper spray. A freelance videographer from RMG News reported that the family’s pet was found drenched in the burning deterrent.
The crime highlights a cruel tactic increasingly used by thieves across the greater Los Angeles area and across the country to neutralize protective family pets.
In a March 2016 burglary in Mar Vista, a 3-year-old dog suffered severe eye damage after being targeted pepper-spraying thieves, CBS LA reported. In July 2024 in Encino, intruders ransacked a home and pepper-sprayed the resident’s guard dogs, according to Fox LA.
Fortunately, Friday night’s ordeal ended on a brighter note.
When the frantic homeowner arrived, the video shows, police officers quickly assured her that while her German shepherd had been sprayed, the dog was okay.
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Moments later, the resilient pet walked out of the home, wagging its tail and gave a shake.
It was not immediately clear what, if anything, was stolen from the residence. Los Angeles Police Department West Valley Division detectives are heading the burglary investigation.
Over the past year, parts of the San Fernando Valley have been plagued with residential burglaries.
More than 100 arrested in connection with LA burglaries last month, officials say
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