Dog attack leaves man with life-threatening injuries

Saskatoon police say a man is suffering from life-threatening injuries after being attacked by two dogs in the 400 block of Avenue E South on Friday night.

Police were called shortly before midnight, while the attack was happening.

The Air Support Unit was able to spot the ongoing attack from the air, helping police on the ground locate the man and dogs.

When officers arrived they found a 40-year-old man being attacked by two large breed dogs.

Both canines began to aggressively advance toward the officers, who say they were were then forced to shoot at them, killing both dogs.

Neighbour Crystal Leptich heard some shouting outside of her house, but thought nothing of it. Later, loud barking and sirens became audible.

Leptich looked out the window and saw a heavy police presence, at least six officers. She also saw the dogs — one on the sidewalk, one still in the yard.

"It looked like one of the dogs — the one on the sidewalk — had started aggressively posturing towards the police," she said. "So, at that point I did see them withdraw their weapons and shoot at the dog. And then the other dog that was in the neighbour's yard was kind of running around and started aggressively approaching the police again, and at that time that dog was shot as well."

Leptich said she felt terrified during the ordeal.

"Looking out my window — especially being home with a young child — and, like, seeing and hearing gunfire of any kind is obviously really concerning," she said. "We're just really hoping in the next little while we get some answers and figure out what actually happened."

The 40-year-old victim was transported to hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

Police will review the shooting of the dogs, as per policy.

There's no indication any charges have been laid.