Cyclist, 49, mauled by pack of dogs in Delhi

DELHI -- A 49-year-old man was hospitalized with serious injuries Wednesday morning after he was mauled by a pack of dogs in the Delhi area, Merced County sheriff's deputies reported.

Deputies responded to the scene at Clausen Road near Griffith Avenue about 8:20 a.m. and found the injured victim seated on the side of the road, according to Sgt. Scott Dover.

The victim had been riding his bike in the area when he was attacked by the dogs, pulled from his bike and dragged to the ground. He was bitten in the arms, legs and torso.

The victim was taken to Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

About 20 minutes before the attack, the same pack of dogs chased another cyclist in the same area, and one of the dogs bit him on the leg, Dover said. That cyclist was able to escape with a minor injury.

Staff from Merced County Animal Control also responded to the scene, and six dogs were captured. Dover said five of the dogs were pit bulls or pit bull mixes, and one was a black Labrador retriever.

Ongoing dog problem

Residents in the area reported having ongoing problems with roaming dogs. Deputies identified three homes on Clausen Road where the dogs came from. Although the dogs had been kept in their respective back yards, they apparently were able to jump the fence, Dover said.

"We've had dog bites like this before, but typically it's one or maybe two dogs, never really a pack like this," Dover said.

The dogs are being held by Merced County Animal Control, and it's unknown whether they'll be euthanized.

Dover said the case will be forwarded to the Merced County district attorney's office to determine whether the owners will face charges. Under state law, dog owners can be held responsible if their animal attacks and injures a human.