A pit bull terrier has been put down after viciously attacking actor Peter Strauss.

The dog escaped from its owner’s property in Ojai, California, where the Rich Man, Poor Man star has a home, and attacked Strauss in his garden.

According to TMZ.com, Strauss, who needed medical attention for a dog bite to the leg, had to climb a tree to get away from the animal.

The dog went on to attack a neighbour before officials arrived and subdued the pit bull.

The pet’s owner requested the animal be put down.