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Isleton Volunteer Firefighter Shoots Two Pit Bulls Who Attacked Their Owner

ISLETON (CBS13) — Neighbors heard an Isleton man's screams as he was viciously attacked by his own dogs inside his home on Tuesday.

Investigators say an off-duty firefighter hoping to save the man's life was forced to shoot the two pit bulls during the attack.

The attack happened at a home near Third Avenue and Miner Court. Deputies say a man was at home when his two pit bulls attacked him, tearing at his arm and leg as he screamed for help.

Investigators say the commotion was so loud, they received close to 10 911 calls. Other people living in the home couldn't get the dogs off the man, so some neighbors tried to help.

"It took the whole neighborhood to take down the dog essentially because the whole neighborhood was responding to it," said neighbor Patty Morelend.

Officers say a volunteer firefighter ran inside the home with his handgun, and that's when the dogs apparently turned on him.

Officers say the firefighter shot one dog dead, and the other was severely wounded and later euthanized by animal control. The firefighter didn't want to speak with us on Wednesday.

"He had to do the right thing because the dog won't let go," Morelend said.

The victim was rushed to a Fairfield hospital and immediately taken into surgery.

More dogs could be heard barking in the home, and there are signs warning people to stay away.

"According to my daughter they were really, really bad," said neighbor Melinda Selken. "She's never seen anything like that. She says she'll probably have nightmares after this."

Animal control officers are still investigating the attack to see if other dogs should be taken from the home.

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