WHITTIER — Three pit bulls escaped from their yard and fatally mauled poodle Sunday, officials said.

The attack took place just before noon in the 10700 block of Lindesmith Avenue, Whittier police Sgt. Jason Zhulke said.

Three pit pulls got out of their owner’s yard in the 10700 block of Cullman Avenue and made their way to the back yard occupied by a small poodle, he said.

The pit bulls attacked the poodle, killing it.

Police responded and took a report, and animal control officials took custody of both the pit bulls and the body of the poodle.

It was not immediately clear whether the owner of the pit bulls would face penalties.