A San Diego park became the site of a tragic attack on Friday when three dogs killed their owner and left another person seriously injured.
The incident occurred at Mesa Viking Park, located in the Mira Mesa neighbourhood, at around noon.
According to authorities, the victim was identified as 26-year-old Pedro Luis Ortega, who was mauled by the dogs in a horrifying attack.
The San Diego Humane Society confirmed the death of Ortega and expressed their deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
A second victim, who had tried to intervene and assist Ortega, was also attacked by the dogs.
This person sustained serious bite injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The dogs responsible for the attack were identified as an XL bully breed, a variant of the American bully.
The authorities have stated that no previous complaints or incidents involving these dogs were reported.
Witnesses to the attack were shocked by the brutality of the dogs.
Resident Paul Ngo told NBC San Diego that he had seen Ortega with his three dogs shortly before the attack.
“I saw a person running around with three dogs,” Ngo recalled. “I noticed that he was constantly repeating like, ‘Hey, be gentle, be nice.'”
The dogs attacked moments after this encounter, and Ortega was unable to control them.
San Diego police and the Humane Society were quick to respond to the attack.
Two of the dogs were located and put into quarantine after being tracked down.
The third dog was found locked in a vehicle and was also placed under quarantine.
All three dogs will undergo rabies testing to ensure they are not carrying any infectious diseases.
Nina Thompson, a spokesperson for the San Diego Humane Society, said the agency is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
“We are fully committed to conducting a thorough and careful review of this incident in collaboration with our law enforcement partners,” Thompson stated in a press release.
As of now, the cause of Ortega’s death has not been confirmed, and the medical examiner’s office is still investigating the exact circumstances.
Chuck Westerheide, spokesperson for the San Diego County Department of Medical Examiner, confirmed the death but said the final report would take time.
“We are still investigating the cause and manner of death,” Westerheide said in an email.
The dogs’ behaviour during the attack has raised concerns about the safety of such breeds, especially in public spaces.
The XL bully breed, known for its muscular build and powerful stature, has become a topic of debate in recent years.
Experts argue that while most dogs of any breed can be friendly, the environment and training play a crucial role in preventing aggressive behaviour.
The incident has sparked conversations about dog ownership and responsibility in communities.
Many residents of Mira Mesa expressed shock and sadness after hearing the news.
Some have questioned whether stricter regulations on dog breeds and ownership should be enforced.
Mira Mesa is a community known for its quiet, suburban atmosphere, largely built to accommodate military personnel from nearby Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
It is not the sort of place where residents expect violent attacks to occur, making the incident all the more unsettling for locals.
The park where the attack took place is a popular spot for families and dog owners alike.
Residents are now left grappling with the fear that such an incident could happen again.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the need for responsible pet ownership, particularly when it comes to larger and more powerful dog breeds.
The San Diego Humane Society has reassured the public that they are taking this situation seriously and will ensure a complete review of the circumstances.
“Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s loved ones,” Thompson said, expressing her condolences.
She also emphasised that the safety of the community and responsible dog ownership are top priorities moving forward.
This heartbreaking attack has left the community in shock, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the events that led to Ortega’s death.
