San Diego, CA– Investigators from the San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement are looking into the deadly dog attack that occurred on Friday at Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park in Mira Mesa.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call about an individual being attacked by their dogs on Friday around noon. The co-owner of the dogs mentioned that they were all a combination of bully breeds. Officers captured the animals. The owner tragically passed away due to the attack.
A spokesperson from the San Diego County Department of the Medical Examiner informed NBC7 on Sunday that the owner has been identified as 26-year-old Pedro Luis Ortega.
A second individual who attempted to assist is now recovering from significant bite wounds.
“As a dog owner, I can’t believe it happened. It’s your own dog [doing that] to you,” said Archie Gonzales who was walking his retriever, Rhindon, in the park Sunday morning. “Stranger danger,” he continued. “If he [doesn’t know you], he’s going to give you space until he knows you’re not doing anything bad to him.”
The dogs were placed under the care of the San Diego Humane Society due to a required bite quarantine. A spokesperson has announced that due to the ongoing investigation, the decision has been made to euthanize all three dogs belonging to the victim.
Jamie Linville, a fellow dog owner in the neighborhood, expressed her shock over the recent death.
“One of my German Shepherds … she’s wild. She can be aggressive. But, she’s never turned on anybody. She’s never turned on us. We’re really loving to our dogs,” Linville said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of 43 individuals lose their lives each year due to dog bites and attacks across the nation. Officers emphasize the significance of socializing and training.
Sgt. Susie Blackburn serves in Humane Law Enforcement. She mentioned, “Every dog has its own temperament depending on its upbringing. Honestly, it’s probably why we’re drawn to the creatures so much. We find one that links to our personality. But, just like humans, they’re [all] different.”