AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — A man and his dog are recovering after they were attacked by five off-leash dogs in Aurora on Christmas Day, sending both to the hospital, according to the victim.
Matthew Cartabuke said he was walking his dog, Ziggy, near East Arkansas Avenue and South Moline Street when five dogs suddenly ran toward them and surrounded the pair.
“All five dogs just circled us and started attacking,” Cartabuke said. “My first instinct was I need to save my dog. I was just in the thick of it, trying to throw these dogs off my dog. They were biting and going for him.”
Cartabuke said Ziggy eventually broke free and ran away. He chased after his dog and later found Ziggy back at home, bleeding.
When Cartabuke returned to the park to retrieve his dropped phone, he said the dogs and two people who had been nearby during the incident were gone.
“I just can’t believe someone would be so irresponsible, and then to be so heartless as to just leave both of us with all of this,” Cartabuke said.
Both Cartabuke and Ziggy spent Christmas afternoon in the emergency room receiving treatment and rabies vaccinations. Cartabuke suffered a bite to his neck, broken skin on his knees and an injury to his hand. Ziggy, a 10-year-old dog, required stitches for wounds on his legs and body.
“This is obviously a lot and very traumatic for a senior dog,” Cartabuke said.
Aurora Animal Services continues to canvass the area to locate the dogs and their owners. Officials said those responsible could face charges, including keeping an aggressive or dangerous animal.
Cartabuke said medical and veterinary bills from the attack are expected to exceed $3,000. He has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover the costs.