Three Dogs Euthanized After Fatal Attack On Owner At San Diego Park

Three dogs involved in a fatal attack on their owner last week at a Mira Mesa park have been euthanized, according to the San Diego Humane Society. The dogs belonged to a breed recently banned in the UK due to their aggressive nature.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, December 13, at Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park, where three American XL bully dogs attacked their owner near the children's playground. Authorities on Monday identified the victim as Pedro Ortega, 26, who had been walking the dogs with his young son at the time of the attack, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.

Bystanders reportedly attempted to intervene using makeshift tools, such as a shovel and a golf club, while waiting for police to arrive. Officers ultimately used a stun gun to gain control of the animals. A second person, who tried to help, was hospitalized with serious bite wounds sustained during the attack.

Paramedics transported Ortega to a trauma center, where he was pronounced dead. One of the dogs was quickly secured at the scene, while the other two fled but were eventually corralled near Ortega's nearby home. Authorities at nearby Ericson Elementary School placed the campus on lockdown until the third dog was located and secured.

On Sunday, the San Diego Humane Society confirmed all three dogs were humanely euthanized with the consent of Ortega's family. The Humane Society noted there was "no previous history involving these dogs in (the agency's) records."

"Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said Humane Society spokesperson Nina Thompson.

American XL bullies, a relatively new breed derived in part from pit bulls, were banned in the United Kingdom in late 2023 following a series of serious attacks involving the breed. Officials in England and Wales now require proof of neutering, liability insurance, and that the dogs are muzzled and leashed in public. Prior to 2021, there were only about three fatal dog attacks per year in the UK, but at least 23 have occurred since then, many involving XL bullies, according to BBC News.

XL bullies are not officially recognized as a separate breed by major kennel clubs in the U.S., but their size and strength have fueled growing public debate about responsible ownership and safety. This tragedy has renewed concerns about dog safety in public spaces and underscored the responsibilities of pet owners to ensure their animals are well-trained and secure.

Originally published on December 15, 2024. Updated on December 16, 2024.