Albino cobra that attacked dog caught in Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (KABC) -- An albino cobra that attacked a dog in Thousand Oaks was caught Thursday afternoon back at the scene of the crime.

Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control officers captured the snake under a wood pile near the 300 block of Rancho Road in Thousand Oaks, authorities said.

"They used a snake catcher, where they grabbed it with an arm, and forced it into a box and were able to shut the box and take it home," Ventura Fire Capt. Ron Oatman said.

The white monocled cobra attacked a dog named Tiko Monday night, prompting a search effort for the highly venomous critter.

Tiko was taken to Conejo Valley Pet Clinic and was expected to recover. The veterinarian said the dog had a wound on its neck, but didn't show signs typical of a snake bite, like swelling or oozing. The snake could have had its venomous glands taken out or the dog could have hurt itself trying to get away from the snake, she said.

Cobras are illegal to own in California except for educational and scientific purposes and a permit is required. Officials believe the cobra may have been someone's pet that go loose.

Thousand Oaks resident Simona Lucchina was driving by the area with her dad when she spotted the snake.

"It was just shocking, because I didn't think I would be the one to find it," Lucchina said.