Tom Greenwood

The Detroit News

Detroit — Despite the horrifying wounds inflicted, criminal charges are unlikely against the owner of 12 pit bulls that attacked and savaged a man earlier this month.

The unidentified victim — age 40 to 50 — suffered severe wounds to his hands and feet when the dogs attacked at 10 p.m. Oct. 2 near an abandoned home in the 4500 block of Pennsylvania.

The attack was so vicious police were forced to shoot and kill one of the animals before the remaining dogs were penned up in a nearby house.

“As of right now, it appears there won’t be any charges because the incident was noncriminal in nature,” Sgt. Michael Woody said. “We don’t have any real criminality here to suggest that the owner would be arrested for the mauling.”

According to Woody, the dog owner was arrested the day of the attack but on a warrant that wasn’t related to the mauling.

“He’s since been released,” Woody said. “The remaining 11 animals were picked up by animal control. An investigation showed that all 11 were involved in the attack and they have been euthanized.”

Police believe the dog owner was squatting at the house near where the attack occurred.

The victim remains in critical condition in Detroit Receiving Hospital.

TGreenwood@detroitnews.com

(313) 222-2345