On Tuesday, March 8, at around 6:50 a.m., four dogs mauled to death a man in Southern California who was working on a property. The man’s employment at the private property in Jurupa Valley was confirmed in a news release by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS). The victim was identified as Mateo Salvador, 42.
After a 911 caller reported hearing screams, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the scene at around 7:30 a.m. After being found with serious injuries, the victim passed away at the hospital.
According to the RCDAS, the owner of the property was not home at the time of the attack but later gave the three Belgian Malinois breeds and one Cane Corso to animal services on Tuesday afternoon for humane euthanasia.
The mauling, according to RCDAS Director Erin Gettis, serves as a tragic reminder to dog owners that their pets must be leashed and kept locked up.
Several dogs were in the area, which is walled off and marked with numerous signs warning visitors of their presence, but workers frequently left the gates open, allowing the dogs to escape. Because she has young children, a neighbor told the media that she always keeps her gate closed. She alleges that the dogs were aggressive and would chase passing cars and kids making their way to the nearby high school.
Two more dogs were found on the property after the incident. None of the animals, according to the authorities, had registration papers or proof of vaccination.
The decision to charge the dog owner is being discussed by the police.