Pedro Luis Ortega, San Diego, California man mauled to death by his three pet American bully dogs outside school playground in Mira Mera. All 3 dogs euthanized.
A 26-year-old California man has died after he was mauled by his three pet dogs outside a San Diego playground. The man’s death follows despite ‘desperate’ efforts by bystanders to get the man’s dogs off him.
Pedro Luis Ortega was attacked by his three American bully dogs outside Ericson Elementary School in Mesa Viking Park, Mira Mera, at around midday Friday, San Diego police told NBC7.
A second unnamed adult stepped in to try to help Ortega, the Los Angeles Times reported, while other bystanders tried to fend off the dogs with shovels and a golf club.
Officers responded to the scene to find Ortega covered in bites from the 100-pound dogs. He was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.
The second adult also suffered ‘serious bite injuries,’ authorities said, while a child present at the scene was left unharmed.
Officers deployed tasers on the dogs and quickly captured two of them while the third escaped. The school was plunged into a brief lockdown while authorities searched for the animal, before it was found at the owner’s home nearby.
Told Witness Steve Marto via KSWB/KUS, ‘They were big, like XL bullies, just massive muscle.’
Torn clothing and a shoe were seen at the scene.
Dangerous and banned breed
San Diego Humane Society animal handlers euthanized the three dogs Saturday. The canines were determined to be the ‘XL bully breed,’ otherwise known as American bullies. The dog breed is regarded as extremely dangerous and ownership is banned in certain nation states.
The animal’s remains will now be tested for rabies.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that on average nationally, 43 people die from dog bites and attacks every year. Humane Law Enforcement officers say socializing and training are important.
Sgt. Susie Blackburn is with the Humane Law Enforcement. She said, “Every dog has its own temperament depending on its upbringing. Honestly, it’s probably why we’re drawn to the creatures so much. We find one that links to our personality. But, just like humans, they’re [all] different.”
