A 62-year-old man suffered severe injuries Wednesday morning after several dogs attacked him in Le Grand, prompting a sheriff’s deputy to shoot two of the animals, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded at 8:53 a.m. to the 4300 block of Cook Street for a reported dog attack and found the man on the ground surrounded by several aggressive dogs that were actively attacking him, the sheriff’s office said.

As deputies tried to approach the victim to provide medical aid, the dogs continued acting aggressively and charged toward them, officials said.

A deputy fired three rounds from his department-issued handgun, striking two of the dogs. Both animals were euthanized at the scene because of the severity of their injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.

Animal Control officers seized two other dogs involved in the attack.

Investigators learned the victim was walking in front of a residence as the owner was putting the dogs away. The dogs got loose from the owner and began attacking the man, officials said.

The victim received medical aid before being flown to an area hospital with severe injuries to his head, face, arms, and legs.

The Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau is investigating the attack.

The sheriff’s office reminded residents that dogs cannot roam unattended in public and must be leashed and under their owner’s immediate control. Owners also are responsible for ensuring fencing is sufficient to keep unattended dogs confined to their property.

Residents can report animal issues to Animal Services dispatch at (209) 385-7445 or call 911 in an emergency.

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