ONE person has been charged in connection to a fatal dog mauling which occurred last week.
Brandan Burke, 57, faces charges after his three dogs — mixed breeds of Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff — attacked and killed Robert Holguin on Sunday.
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San Francisco police, who responded to the scene, said that Holguin, 52, had suffered multiple dog bites and died at the scene, reports FOX affiliate KTVU.
It was later reported that each dog weighed over 100 pounds.
According to the outlet, Burke's pets had escaped their owner's property the previous day and the man admitted that his dogs did not respond to commands.
The outlet also reported that animal control officers had been out to Burke's residence before.
Holguin's brother, Alex, spoke to the outlet on Thursday stating that he was shocked to hear the news about his brother's death.
“Imagine hearing how your loved one was attacked by a dog. It's horrible,” said Alex.
According to Alex, his brother was homeless and living out of his car when the attack came.
Alex also stated that both he and Burke had known each other before the attack.
Holguin's brother had a message for the pet owner.
“You're now serving, being held accountable like anybody should be that breaks the rules,” said Alex.
“We don't know you. We are merciful. We are forgiving. We are Christian.”
A source close to the dog owner revealed that the man had a total of six dogs on the property.
The source states that three of the dogs managed to break through the fence and drag Holguin into the backyard where they proceeded to bite him multiple times.
The attack occurred after Burke stepped out to run an errand at the grocery store, The East Bay Times reports.
Imagine hearing how your loved one was attacked by a dog. It's horrible.”
Alex Holguin
In court documents obtained by KTVU, it is stated that animal control arrived on the scene after receiving reports that the victim had sought refuge underneath a vehicle he was working on while being attacked by the dogs.
A spokesperson for the neighborhood said that the three dogs have since been euthanized and the other three are with Oakland Animal Service.
Many residents — who have remained anonymous due to fear of retaliation — have said there are still dogs on the property.
One woman told the outlet that after the attack, she would be avoiding walking past the dog owner's home.
Those who did speak with The East Bay Times described Burke as a “good guy.”
“He loves dogs, since I can remember,” one neighbor said.
“It seems like they’re friendly. But they’re animals, they have a dark side.”
This is not the first time that Burke's dogs have attempted to attack another living thing.
In October 2023, it was reported that one of the female dogs lunged at a smaller dog and picked it up in its mouth.
According to Emily Wood, director of Oakland Animal Services, this incident occurred when Burke was on a bicycle and the dog was leashed.
At a court hearing on Thursday, Burke was released from Santa Rita jail on his own recognizance but is scheduled to return to court on September 12 for a plea hearing.
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