A 53-year-old man was severely attacked this afternoon in an unincorporated area near the city of Lake Elsinore.

Riverside County Animal Services responded to the severe dog attack in unincorporated Lake Elsinore after receiving a call from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The man who was attacked is believed to be the owner of one of the dogs involved in the attack.

The attack happened at about 4:15 p.m. on Honey Lane, just east of Interstate 15 and north of Central Avenue (Highway 74). It is uncertain exactly how many of the dogs at the property were involved in the attack.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with major injuries. Riverside County sheriff's deputies and emergency personnel were first to arrive at the home before animal control officers responded.

A good Samaritan – believed to be a nearby neighbor – rammed his van through the chain-link gate to try to help the victim. The dogs scurried when the man's van busted through the gate.

Animal Control Officer Christina Avila said that she believed the man's condition was critical when he initially left by ambulance. An update on his condition is uncertain at this time.

Six dogs were impounded (four adult dogs and two puppies) by Riverside County Animal Services officers. All four of the adult dogs were unaltered and unlicensed, as required by state and a countywide ordinance for unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

Although the investigation about the attack is still ongoing, the victim may have been trying to break up a fight between the two male dogs, Officer Avila said. However, the other dogs may have also been involved.

Contact:
John Welsh
Public Information Chief
OFFICE: 951-358-7045
MEDIA CALLS: 951-565-7934
[email protected]
TWITTER: @helpinRIVcoPETS