Jamie Boyd: Man’s scalp ‘ripped off’ after he was allegedly attacked by seven dogs, owners charged

A man is suffering serious injuries after he was allegedly attacked by seven dogs while his wife watched in horror.

Jamie Boyd, 81, was left in a critical condition after a group of pit bulls and pit bull crosses attacked him while he was walking to his mailbox in Birmingham, Alabama in September.

His wife saw the entire incident and tried to help Mr Boyd even though she was using an assisted walking device.

William Mitchell and Lacey Mitchell, Mr Boyd’s neighbours and the dogs’ owners, have since been charged under Alabama’s Dangerous Dog Procedure Act, known as Emily’s Law.

It is unclear which specific charges they face, but according to an indictment reviewed by WBRC 6, police allege the owners had prior knowledge that their dogs were dangerous.

Both Mr and Ms Mitchell have pleaded not guilty.

The Boyd family has also filed a civil lawsuit against the pair, in which they will seek to prove that they were responsible for the harm caused to Mr Boyd during the incident.

Paul Patterson, Mr Boyd’s lawyer, said the 81-year-old is not doing well and his family has asked the community to keep him in their prayers.

“He is facing amputation of his arm and potentially leg in order to stop the infection that is just out of control and the family seeks prayers for everyone in the community,” Mr Patterson said.

“This is one of the most tragic dog mauling attacks that I’ve handled over the years practicing civil law,” he said.

According to WBRC 6, the civil lawsuit said Mr Boyd’s scalp was ripped from his head during the attack resulting in a 50 per cent loss of muscle tissue.

Mr Patterson has also called for a review of the punitive measures Emily’s Law and said in general, there needs to be harsher punishment.

“I think the Legislature really needs to take another look at Emily’s Law to make it a little more punitive on people who have a reckless disregard for the safety of others when they own these types of dogs. If a court has not declared the dog vicious previously, then the punishment is - in my opinion - not as severe as it should be,” Patterson said.

All of the dogs were taken to Bibb County Animal Facility but there is no further information available as to what will happen to them.