A California man was mauled to death by his own three dogs on Friday at Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park in San Diego as horrified bystanders tried in vain to intervene.
The dogs, identified as XL Bully breeds, refused to release their owner despite desperate efforts from onlookers.
San Diego police began receiving calls around noon on Friday reporting a violent dog attack at the park. When officers arrived, they found the three dogs still biting the man, who was defenseless against the sustained mauling, according to KTLA.
The scene was so chaotic that one witness initially thought police were attempting to subdue a violent criminal. Emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
This tragic incident has sparked renewed concerns over the ownership of XL Bullies, a breed known for its muscular build and strength. The breed has been involved in several high-profile attacks, prompting calls for stricter regulations in the United States.
Countries like the UK have recently enacted breed-specific bans on XL Bullies following a spike in fatal maulings.
Critics argue that these breeds pose inherent risks, while advocates insist that responsible ownership and proper training can prevent such tragedies.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the dogs’ behavioral history and potential warning signs. The dogs have been seized by San Diego County Animal Services pending further evaluation.
This incident at Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park underscores the need for ongoing discussions about public safety and breed regulation in shared community spaces.
