PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A man who was mauled by five pit bulls in West Philadelphia on Wednesday remains in critical condition. He was attacked after he wandered into their fenced-in yard. One dog was shot and killed by responding officers. Another was wounded.
Despite the posted “beware of dog” signs, the man still went into Sierra Jackson’s fenced-in backyard near 62nd and Arch streets. She’s praying the man makes a full recovery.
“I’m hoping that he’s OK, but I’m also hoping that my dog is OK and we can get some help for my dog too,” she said.
The wounded dog, a 1-year-old named Missy, was shot in the face. Jackson said the bleeding has stopped and bullet fragments were removed. ACCT Philly is helping the family get the dog back home.
“They said that she is a fighter and she is fighting to stay alive,” Jackson said. “She was literally doing nothing but what a dog does, which is to protect their home. If you are suspicious and you are on her land, that’s what she’s supposed to do. She is supposed to protect.”
Missy’s sister, named Goldie, was shot and killed by police in the attack. The other three dogs in the yard were not injured and remain with Jackson’s family.
Neighbors in the area say the man, who is in his 60s, is often disoriented and would make his way onto neighborhood porches and into residents' yards from time to time.