San Diego Man Reportedly Killed After Vicious Attack by His Own Dogs

A man has died after being viciously attacked by his three XL bully dogs at a children’s playground in San Diego’s Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park, according to police reports. The shocking incident unfolded Friday afternoon, leaving witnesses horrified and questioning why such powerful animals were kept as pets.

The San Diego Police Department confirmed that officers were called to the scene around noon after receiving 911 reports of a violent dog attack. Responding officers arrived to find the man being repeatedly bitten by his own dogs, a breed known for its size and strength. Authorities had to use a Taser to stop the relentless attack.

Local resident Steve Marto, who lives across the street from the park, described the chaotic scene to Nexstar’s KSWB/KUSI. Initially, he thought the police were detaining a person. “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,” Marto explained. It wasn’t until later that he realized the officers were attempting to contain the three massive dogs.

“They were big, like XL bullies, just massive muscle,” Marto added, emphasizing the sheer power of the animals.

According to witnesses, a child accompanying the victim was unharmed during the attack. Despite desperate attempts by Good Samaritans to intervene—using shovels and possibly a golf club, which was later found at the scene—the dogs continued their assault. Torn clothing and a shoe were also discovered nearby, underscoring the brutality of the incident.

Sgt. Matthew Hone confirmed that after an officer deployed a Taser, the dogs broke away and fled. “The officer was able to break up the dogs. They fled, and the injured male was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries,” Hone said. Tragically, the victim’s sister later confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Two of the dogs were quickly captured following the attack, but the third managed to escape, prompting immediate safety measures. Ericson Elementary School, located near the park, went into lockdown as a precaution. Parents were notified via email to ensure the safety of the students. Authorities later located the third dog at the owner’s nearby home.

The incident has reignited concerns over owning such powerful and potentially dangerous breeds. Marto, reflecting on the tragedy, voiced his worries about the dogs’ strength and temperament. “I don’t understand why someone would want to have three dogs that size. You’re just looking for a problem, in my opinion,” he said.

As of Friday, authorities had not determined what would happen to the dogs involved in the fatal attack. The tragedy has left the local community shaken and sparked debates about the safety of owning strong, large-breed dogs like the XL bully.

The investigation into what led to the sudden attack is ongoing, but the horrifying nature of the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved with keeping such animals, especially in public spaces.