CRYSTAL RIVER, FL -- A 58-year-old man trying to save his own pet from a dog attack ended up being seriously hurt when the animals turned on him.
According to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Richard Catt was out walking his small dog along Charlynn Drive around 3:30 this afternoon when his dog managed to get under the fence of his next-door neighbor's home.
Four large dogs, who deputies said were likely mastiffs, attacked Catt's pet, and he jumped the fence in order to save it.
Catt was able to get his dog over the fence, but officials said the animals began to attack him. Officials said the dogs' owner was home but didn't hear the commotion, however the man's wife, Sarah Linne, pulled into the driveway as Catt was being assaulted and tried to intervene.
Mr. Linne then rushed outside and managed to get Catt and his wife to safety.
Catt suffered serious injuries to the head, arms and legs and was airlifted to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he is currently listed in fair condition..
Sarah Linne was taken to Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.
Animal control officers took possession of the dogs, but their fate is not yet known.
