A man was discovered dead on Tuesday morning, August 1, mauled by a pack of dogs on Hawaii’s Big Island.
A witness, alerted by the noise, approached and saw the dogs engaging aggressively with Robert Northrop, 71, on the road. The witness succeeded in dispersing the dogs and subsequently alerted authorities. Officers, upon reaching the location in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, found Northrop in an unresponsive state and had him transported to a medical facility. He was, however, declared dead before arrival.
Chief Ben Moszkowicz of the Hawaii Police Department noted that initial investigations did not suggest any instigation from the victim’s side. The dogs, previously identified as strays, were connected to owners not present during the incident. All four dogs, along with ten puppies, are now under the care of the Hawaii County Animal Control and Protection Agency.
Legal implications for the dog owners might include charges related to the negligent handling of dangerous animals, with potential penalties encompassing prison terms, fines, and possible euthanasia for the dogs.