Man, 76, survives grim mauling by dog pack thanks to neighbours

22 August 2023 , 22:29

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Max De Los Santos was left covered in wounds (Image: ksat)

A man in his late 70s survived a mauling from a pack of dogs after his neighbours stepped in to help, one of them swinging a metal baton.

Max De Los Santos was left with wounds to his neck, arm and leg after the vicious attack from a German Shepard and a pit bull in San Antonio, Texas, US.

Local police have said the female owner of the dogs could face charges but is cooperating in the investigation. She has been cited by animal control for not having the animals restrained.

Neighbour Rudolfo Pantoja used a metal baton to beat the dogs away, hitting them so hard the baton bent. The incident happened around 2 am on Wednesday

Mr Pantoja said: "I heard Mr. Max, he was yelling help , help somebody help me ...the German Shepherd had him by the neck , and the American Staffordshire Terrier had him by the leg, and they’re dragging him from in between the houses."

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The residential street where the man was mauled (ksat)

“He looked horrible. I thought he was going to die, in reality,” the neighbour added.

“They were dragging him out again for a second time. They’re trying to get him, I think, across the street to their house to finish him off,” Mr Pantoja said.

The elderly victim's wife Beatrice de los Santos said: "He has so many deep wounds on his arms, on his left leg, on his right leg. On the right leg most of the flesh is gone, from the knee to the bottom of his foot. And his ear had to be reattached."

Neighbours say there have been multiple calls made to emergency services about the two dogs.

“It was horrific,” Beatrice said.

The two dogs involved have been impounded (ksat)

She is also furious that her calls to Animal Care Services (ACS) about the animals before were ignored. She said: “I’ve called before, the neighbour has called repeatedly, and then another neighbour has called as well. I would like for some stiffer penalties to be put on these dog owners.”

A statement from ACS read: "ACS impounded two dogs in connection with this incident at a home on Fieldgate. Both animals were found free of restraint; that is, they were roaming off their property. The dogs are described as a German Shepherd and American Staffordshire Terrier. The owner was cited for this violation as well as the bite. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation moves forward.

"Dog bite incidents like these can be prevented. Pet guardians must keep their dogs on their property. It’s not only the neighbourly thing to do. It’s also the law."

Charlie Jones