Durban man in critical condition after brutal dog attack at home

A Durban man is fighting for his life in hospital after being viciously attacked by five dogs in the early hours of Sunday morning, in a shocking incident that has left the local community reeling.

The attack took place at a residential property in Yellowwood Park, south of Durban, where emergency services were called to a scene described as traumatic and chaotic. Paramedics arrived to find the man, believed to be in his 30s, suffering from multiple severe bite wounds across his body.

According to advanced life support paramedics, the victim was in a critical condition when they reached him, requiring urgent medical intervention before being transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Durban authorities investigate circumstances surrounding dog attack

Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that emergency responders worked swiftly to stabilise the man before rushing him to hospital. He said the extent of the injuries suggested a sustained and violent attack involving multiple dogs.

“The man had sustained numerous bite wounds to his entire body and was in a critical condition,” Jamieson said. “Advanced life support paramedics treated him on the scene to stabilise his condition before transporting him to hospital for urgent medical care.”

At this stage, it remains unclear how the attack unfolded or whether the dogs involved belonged to the victim. Jamieson noted that the incident occurred inside the man’s yard, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to the attack.

“What we do know is that the man resides on the premises where the incident occurred,” he added. “However, the events leading up to the attack are unknown at this point.”

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South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were present at the scene and have opened an investigation to determine exactly what happened. Police will also establish ownership of the dogs and whether any negligence or criminal charges may arise from the incident.

Dog attacks, while relatively rare, continue to raise concerns in Durban and across South Africa, particularly when they occur within private properties. Animal welfare experts say attacks involving multiple dogs can be especially dangerous, as pack behaviour can quickly overwhelm a victim.

Residents in Yellowwood Park described the incident as deeply unsettling. Some said they were woken by emergency sirens in the early hours of the morning, while others expressed concern about safety in the area.

“It’s terrifying to think something like this can happen in someone’s own yard,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “We all have dogs around here, but you never expect an attack of this nature.”

Medical experts say victims of dog attacks often face a long and difficult recovery, especially when injuries are extensive. In severe cases, patients may require multiple surgeries, including reconstructive procedures, as well as treatment to prevent infection.

There has been no official update on the victim’s condition since he was admitted to hospital, but paramedics indicated that his injuries were life-threatening at the time of transport.

The incident has also reignited debate around responsible pet ownership in Durban. Animal behaviour specialists stress the importance of proper training, secure fencing, and supervision, particularly when keeping multiple dogs on a property.

Legal experts note that dog owners can be held liable if their animals attack and seriously injure someone, depending on the circumstances. If it is determined that the dogs belonged to the victim, investigators will need to establish whether another factor triggered the attack, such as a medical episode, intoxication, or provocation.

If the dogs are found to belong to someone else, authorities may consider charges related to negligence or failure to control dangerous animals.

SAPS confirmed that a full investigation is underway and that further details will be released once more information becomes available. Officials have urged the public not to speculate while inquiries continue.

The attack serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by uncontrolled animals and highlights the importance of animal management and community awareness. For now, the focus remains on the victim’s recovery as doctors work to stabilise him following what emergency responders described as a brutal and life-threatening ordeal.

As the Durban community awaits answers, the incident underscores the need for vigilance, responsible ownership, and swift action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Source: EWN