Mark Bernstein

Update

DETROIT, MI -- The owners of a dozen dogs that attacked Steven Constantine on Oct. 2 are not currently facing any criminal charges, but are being sued, based on a Friday filing by Mark Bernstein of the Sam Bernstein Law Firm.

The lawsuit says the pack of nearly 12 dogs, some of them puppies according to Detroit police, attacked Constantine on the 4500 block of Pennsylvania and "began eating him alive."

They're owned by Derrick and Elizabeth C. Felton, according to the lawsuit.

When police arrived, they shot and killed one of the dogs, causing the remaining to flee into the nearby home from where they'd escaped.

Police and animal control workers removed and euthanized the dogs, described as pit bulls.

Constantine lay in the hospital in critical condition. He is recovering but had his left arm amputated, underwent multiple surgeries to his limbs and torso, and is without use of his right hand and foot, which suffered paralysis and may also be amputated, the $25,000-plus lawsuit says.

Police said Constanine was unclothed when found, but did not elaborate on the reason for his state undress.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing possible criminal charges against the Feltons but said they are awaiting more information before making a charging decision.

At the time of the attack, police arrested Derrick Felton on unrelated warrants.

The mauling occurred on Pennsylvania Street, located on the city's east side along a blighted block where few neighbors live. Many of the lots have been cleared of the homes that once stood there; among those remaining, many are missing doors, windows and have evidence of fire damage.

There was no kennel, water or food dishes immediately visible at the home where the dogs lived, but the backyard had been replaced with with concrete.

Mark Bernstein plans to comment on the case Monday afternoon.