Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Florida: Rogelio Castillo, 71, rushed to the hospital after he and his Maltese attacked by Pit Bull

FLORIDA -- A Miami man has been rushed to the hospital after he tried to stop a Pit Bull from mauling his smaller dog.

Rogelio Castillo was walking his Maltese near 202 SW 10th Ave. on Tuesday afternoon when a bigger dog launched an attack at the canine.

The 71-year-old then tried to get involved and that's when he reportedly was knocked over and hit his head.

Neighbors said the man suffered from high blood pressure and could have suffered a stroke.

Miami Fire Rescue responded to the scene and rushed Castillo to Jackson Memorial Hospital. His condition is unclear.

Police have also not released if the animal involved in the unprovoked attack was a pit bull, a breed that has been banned in Miami-Dade county for years, but has still been responsible for many attacks on pets and humans.

Update: It was confirmed to be a Pit Bull which attacked Mr. Castillo and his little dog.

The 2-year-old Maltese also needed medical attention after being nearly torn apart by the animal.

(NBC Miami - Sept 21, 2010)