Emergency responders and bystanders struggle to subdue dogs; school placed on lockdown during search
A tragic incident unfolded at a San Diego playground when a 26-year-old California man was mauled to death by his own three XL bully dogs in front of horrified onlookers. The ferocious attack occurred at Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park, leaving witnesses shocked and a community in mourning. According to the New York Post, San Diego police received emergency calls around noon reporting a dog assault near Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park.
According to authorities, emergency calls were made to the San Diego Police Department around noon, reporting a vicious dog attack. Upon arrival, officers found the man being violently attacked by the muscular XL bully dogs. Despite desperate attempts from bystanders to intervene—some wielding shovels and a golf club—the dogs remained relentless.
Witness Steve Marto described the scene, initially mistaking the commotion for a police operation targeting a violent suspect.
“I just saw they had something trapped in the weeds over here. I thought it was a person at first because they were talking about setting up a perimeter. They were big, like XL bullies, just massive muscle,” Marto recounted.
Police resort to force as bystanders’ efforts fail
The attack escalated to the point that police were forced to use tasers to subdue the animals. Two of the dogs were restrained on-site, but a third managed to escape, prompting an urgent search operation. Nearby Ericson Elementary School was placed on lockdown as a precaution while authorities tracked the loose dog.
The runaway animal was eventually found back at its home and safely captured, bringing the immediate crisis to an end.
San Diego Police confirmed that the victim, identified as 26-year-old Pedro Luis Ortega, was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities confirm euthanasia of the dogs
San Diego Humane Society officials worked alongside police to handle the aftermath. In a statement, they expressed condolences to the victim’s family and provided details about the incident.
“The first victim sustained fatal injuries. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Upon arrival, our Humane Officers worked closely with SDPD to locate two dogs that were still loose and safely impounded a third dog that had been secured in a vehicle,” the Humane Society said.
Following mandatory bite quarantine protocols, the three XL bully dogs were euthanized by standard procedure.
The incident has reignited concerns surrounding the ownership and control of XL bully dogs, a breed known for its powerful build and sometimes unpredictable behavior. Community members expressed both grief and alarm, with calls for greater safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the attack remains ongoing.