The San Diego Humane Society announced Sunday that the three dogs involved if the fatal attack of their owner on Friday at Mesa Viking Park in Mira Mesa have been humanely euthanized.
The tragic incident took place around noon Friday. The XL bullies — a breed known for their size and strength — attacked their owner, prompting witnesses to call 911. San Diego police arrived to find the man being bitten repeatedly. Good Samaritans tried to intervene by hitting the dogs with shovels and possibly a golf club, which was found at the scene, police said. Ultimately, an officer used a Taser to break up the attack and the dogs then ran off.
Two of the dogs were quickly captured, but a third remained on the loose. This prompted a brief lockdown at nearby Ericson Elementary School. Police later found the third dog at the owner’s home, which is near the park.
The San Diego Humane Society issued this news release Saturday evening:
On December 13, 2024, our Humane Law Enforcement Officers swiftly responded to an urgent call from the San Diego Police Department regarding a tragic incident involving dogs attacking an individual at Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park in Mira Mesa. Upon arrival, our Humane Officers worked in close coordination with law enforcement to locate two dogs that were still loose and safely impounded a third dog that had been secured in a vehicle. All three dogs were immediately placed into our care under mandatory bite quarantine protocol.
Earlier today, Humane Officers were able to locate a second victim who had sustained serious injuries. The individual was transported to the hospital and is currently in recovery. During the course of the investigation, Humane Officers also obtained video footage showing the owner walking the three dogs toward the park approximately two hours before San Diego Humane Society received the assistance call from SDPD.
All three dogs were subsequently signed over to San Diego Humane Society by a second owner and have since been humanely euthanized. Rabies testing will be completed as part of standard protocol.
We are deeply saddened to confirm, in coordination with the San Diego Police Department, that the first victim sustained fatal injuries. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. We are fully committed to conducting a thorough and careful review of this incident in collaboration with our law enforcement partners.
(Photo reporting partner 10News)