Three dogs, believed to be 'XL bullies,' attack and kill owner at San Diego park

Three large dogs attacked and injured their owner and died at a neighborhood park in San Diego on Friday, officials said.

The man has not been identified. The second victim, who was seriously injured while trying to help the first victim, was taken to the hospital and is recovering, officials said.

All three dogs were euthanized Saturday, according to Nina Thompson, spokeswoman for the San Diego Humane Society, which contracts with the city to help police handle animal incidents.

Thompson said the DNA of these animals had not been tested, making their species uncertain. However, the second owner told officials that the animals were bought as “XL bullies” – a large, powerful bull mix that is banned in other countries.

The San Diego Police Department, which responded to the attack, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Thompson, in a statement provided to the Times, said Humane Society law enforcement officers responded to the Mesa Viking Neighborhood Park in Mira Mesa at 12:13 pm Friday after receiving an “urgent call for help” from San Diego police.

The Humane Society and police were able to control two of the dogs, before finding the third one secured in the car, Thompson said.

The dogs were held under “mandatory isolation rules,” Thompson said. The second owner of the animals later signed them over to the Humane Society, and agreed to have them euthanized.

The Humane Society had no prior record about the dogs, Thompson said. Videos have been found showing the owner walking the three dogs towards the park before the attack.

“Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” Thompson said.