A California man has died after being mauled to death by his three ‘XL Bully’ dogs at a children’s playground. according to New York PostAn emergency call was made to San Diego Police around noon, reporting a dog attack at Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park. Upon arrival, officers found that the victim was being violently attacked by three XL goons. Despite desperate attempts by bystanders to intervene, the dogs refused to release their hold on the man. The intensity of the attack was so severe that one witness initially thought police were attempting to subdue a violent suspect.
Witness Steve Marto said, “I just saw they had something stuck in the weeds here. At first I thought it was a person because they were talking about setting up a perimeter. They were like XL bullies. Big, just heavy muscles.”
As the brutal attack continued, bystanders attempted to intervene, using shovels and golf clubs to stop the dogs. However, cruelty to the animals continued, leading police to resort to Tasers to subdue them. Two of the dogs were eventually captured and subdued, but the third managed to escape into a nearby neighborhood. Nearby Erickson Elementary School was then placed on lockdown until the animal returned to its home and was captured.
A search operation ensued, and the loose dog was eventually traced to his home, where he was safely captured. The community heaved a collective sigh of relief as the situation came under control.
“Officers were able to subdue the dogs. They ran away, and the injured male was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries,” police said. However, the 26-year-old man, identified as Pedro Luis Ortega, died in hospital.
The San Diego Humane Society, along with police, confirmed the owner’s death. cnn Informed.
“The first victim suffered life-threatening injuries. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Upon arrival, our humane officers worked closely with SDPD to locate two dogs that were still on the loose and The third dog was safely captured and secured in a vehicle,” a statement from the Humane Society said.
The Humane Society said the dogs were detained “under mandatory cull quarantine protocols” and were later euthanized following standard protocols.
Society officials also discovered a second man who suffered serious bite wounds while attempting to assist the initial victim. The man was taken to hospital and is currently recovering. The Centers for Disease Control reports that nationally an average of 43 people die each year from dog bites and attacks.
