A 64-year-old man who was critically injured by multiple dogs succumbed to his injuries recently, passing away last Friday. The man was helping an 85-year-old woman who was attacked by the dogs initially. After he intervened, the dogs quickly turned on him, and his injuries and massive blood loss as a result of the attack turned out to be fatal.
One of the dogs that was involved in the attack — believed to be the main aggressor — was actually put down with the owner’s consent. The other dog involved in the attack is being held by its owners. The police are investigating the incident and should have result soon. In the meantime, there are a lot of questions about this attack.
The two dogs were freely roaming the streets when it occurred. Why was this the case? Where were the owners? How did the dogs get out in the first place? Were they let out or did they escape?
Then there is the behavior and history of the dogs themselves. Were they aggressive before? Did the owners know of any past incidents?
And then what about the owners. Have they been known to be negligent in the past? Were there any signs that the owners should have picked up on regarding their dogs’ behavior?
The answers to these questions matter greatly, but ultimately the liability rests with the owners in this case. The family and loved ones of the 64-year-old man will have to consider their legal options in the days ahead.
Source: The Tribune, “Man dies after being critically injured in Grover Beach dog attack,” Lindsey Holden, Dec. 17, 2016