Dog Nearly Tears Man's Lip Off In Attack

On the night of December 16, a man walking home in Santa Cruz, California was attacked by an aggressive dog on the loose, suffering personal injuries when the dog nearly tore his lip off. The county’s Animal Services officers were concerned because the dog had not been located and another attack was feared.

The victim, a 26-year-old Live Oak, California resident, was alone at approximately 7:30 p.m. when he was knocked to the ground and bitten by the dog. The man sought aid from friends, who transported him to the hospital. The Sheriff’s Office and Animal Services were contacted by medical staff at the hospital.

Animal Services said the man suffered a bite on one side of the face near his left eye and nose and his lip was so badly injured that it essentially had to be sewn back on.

Once the dog is located, its owner could face misdemeanor charges for allowing a vicious animal to roam freely.