Three large dogs attacked and fatally injured their owner in a San Diego neighborhood park on Friday, officials said.
The man has not been identified. A second victim, who suffered “serious bite injuries while attempting to help the first victim,” was taken to the hospital and was recovering, authorities said.
The three dogs were euthanized Saturday, according to Nina Thompson, spokeswoman for the San Diego Humane Society, which contracts with the city to help police handle incidents involving animals.
Thompson said the animals’ DNA had not been tested, making their breed uncertain. However, a second owner told authorities the animals were purchased as “XL bullies,” a large, powerful bull mix that has been banned in other countries.
San Diego police, who responded to the attack, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Thompson, in a statement provided to the Times, said Humane Society law enforcement officers went to the Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park in Mira Mesa at 12:13 p.m. Friday after receiving an “urgent call to help” from the San Diego police.
The Humane Society and police were able to control two of the dogs, before finding the third safe in a vehicle, Thompson said.
The dogs were impounded under “mandatory bite quarantine protocols,” Thompson said. The animals’ second owner then turned them over to the Humane Society and agreed to have them euthanized.
The Humane Society had no records of the dogs, Thompson said. Video footage was recovered showing the owner walking the three dogs towards the park before the attack.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Thompson said.
