New York – Two pit bull dogs attacked a man while he walked along a city street in Belmont. The assault was captured on video when bystanders watched in horror and some tried to help the victim. The assault victim explained that he was walking along and saw the pair of dogs walking without a leash. He said that he was not afraid and thought they were friendly, even reaching out his hand as if to say hello. According to some reports, the owner of the dogs began yelling at the man and that’s when the dog mauling began. The pit bulls jumped on top of the man and repeatedly attacked and bit him all over his body. He suffered extensive injuries, including dog bites to his face, chest and both arms. Trauma surgeons later had to repair the man’s injured ear, which had been amputated. After many attempts by bystanders, the man was finally rescued but the dogs apparently attacked some of the other people at the scene as well.

New York City residents were in an uproar over the dangerous incident, saying that police and city officials haven’t done enough to ensure their safety. Note has been made that the 911 dispatcher needed to be told and retold the location of the dog attack many times before actually responding. A recording of the 911 call reveals that the caller, while understandably upset, had clearly reported the address of the emergency call over and over again. However, police and rescuers appear to have been delayed due to the dispatcher re-asking the same questions. Ultimately, it was bystanders who had to step in and come to the victim’s aid since police had not arrived more quickly. In addition, some public activists have noted that the owner of these dogs has been reported in the past for similar problems. They complain that city officials have not done enough to remove the animals from her charge, creating a very serious and hazardous condition for everyone else. The dangerous dog owner was arrested and charges assessed. You can find out more about this assault and her arrest here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: maplegirlie [License]