Mendocino County man hospitalized after being attacked, mauled by pit bull terriers

Three dogs have been incarcerated by Mendocino County animal control officials for mauling a Covelo man who was out on his evening walk, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

The pit bull terriers are being quarantined for 10 days and evaluated to determine whether they are dangerous and should be euthanized or can be returned to their owner, Miguel Angel Escareno Pinon, 24, of Covelo, officials said.

The mauling victim, Pollard Hale, 57, also of Covelo, was walking at about 7 p.m. on Wright Way last week when he was attacked by the dogs, officials said. Hale’s wife reported that her husband sustained major injuries to his limbs and face and had been flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment. He remained in intensive care Monday and is expected to require extensive rehabilitation, sheriff’s officials said.

Escareno Pinon told authorities he had left the gate to his yard open and the dogs got out. When he returned home, he saw the three dogs around the victim, who was lying on the ground.

Officials asked anyone with relevant information to contact animal control at 707-463-4086.

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 707-462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MendoReporter