76-year-old brutally attacked by 2 dogs, Texas cops say. ‘Thought he was going to die’

A 76-year-old man is recovering after he was viciously attacked by a pair of dogs, according to Texas police and news reports.

Police in San Antonio said the man was attacked by a German shepherd and a pit bull around 2 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16.

“The German shepherd had him by his neck, the pit bull had his leg and they were dragging him from in between the houses,” Rodolfo Pantoja, the victim’s neighbor, told KENS. “It looked like they were trying to drag him across the street.”

Pantoja, who was also attacked by the dogs, said he saw “blood gushing out” of the victim’s leg.

The 76-year-old man suffered “serious bodily injury” to his face and other body parts, police said.

Beatrice De Los Santos is crediting Pantoja for her husband’s survival, KSAT reported. Calling the attack “horrific,” De Los Santos said her husband will have to undergo multiple surgeries.

“He looked horrible,” Pantoja told KSAT. “I thought he was going to die, in reality.”

The owner of the dogs was cited for the animals not being restrained, according to the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services. Additional charges are possible.

A spokesperson for Animal Care Services said the dogs are being quarantined for 10 days.

What to know about dog attacks

“Dogs give us comfort, companionship, exercise, entertainment, and unconditional love,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “But it’s important to remember that any dog can bite, even trusted family pets.”

Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 of those people need medical attention, according to the CDC.

Any dog can bite if they feel scared or nervous, or if they want to be alone. You should never approach a dog that seems angry or scared, the CDC said.

If an unfamiliar dog comes up to you, officials say you should:

• Stay calm and be still.

• Avoid eye contact with the dog.

• Don’t panic or make loud noises. Don’t run.

• Say “no” or “go home” in a deep voice. Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.

• Slowly raise your hands to your neck and back away slowly.

This story was originally published August 18, 2023 at 8:32 AM with the headline "76-year-old brutally attacked by 2 dogs, Texas cops say. ‘Thought he was going to die’."