An 86-year-old Massachusetts man is recovering after he was knocked down and bitten by multiple unleashed dogs during his regular morning walk.
Michael Roberts was walking on a trail near the NewBridge on the Charles senior living community in Dedham around 9 a.m. Thursday, June 18, when he was attacked by two white dogs and a boxer, according to Dedham Animal Control and local reports.
The dogs were described as medium-sized and were not on leashes at the time.
Authorities said the animals were with three women believed to be in their 20s or 30s. After the attack, the women allegedly gathered the dogs and left the area without stopping to identify themselves or provide information.
“I was stunned to say the least because it was really terrifying,” Roberts told Fox 8 Live. “To be knocked down by a big dog and then by being bitten is my worst nightmare.”
Roberts suffered multiple dog bites, including a serious injury to his arm. He was taken to the emergency room after the attack.
Because animal control officials have not yet identified the dogs or confirmed their vaccination records, Roberts was told he may need post-exposure rabies shots.
Roberts said he believes the boxer may have been triggered by his bright orange coat.
“He came running at me, jumped up and knocked me down,” Roberts told the outlet.
He said the dog clamped down on his arm with its jaws.
Roberts said he was too focused on fighting off the animals to notice how the owners reacted during the attack.
Doctors reportedly believe he may not need rabies shots because his coat may have helped protect him from the dogs’ saliva.
“Two were the skin is scraped and bleeding, and the third was more of a puncture wound,” Roberts said of his injuries.
Dedham Animal Control is now asking the public for help identifying the dogs and the women who were with them.
“Anyone who may routinely walk this path and may be familiar with any of these parties as described by gender, age, and/or the accompanying dogs, is asked to please reach out to us,” the agency wrote on Facebook.
Officials also urged those responsible to come forward, noting that surveillance footage is being reviewed by property security.
“We strongly encourage those responsible for this incident to do the right thing and come forward,” Dedham Animal Control said.
The investigation remains ongoing as Roberts continues to recover from what he described as a terrifying and unexpected attack during an ordinary morning walk.
