Michael Roberts suffered “multiple dog bite injuries” from the incident on June 18
Credit: WCVB Channel 5 Boston
NEED TO KNOW
- An 86-year-old man was attacked by multiple dogs near his senior community on Thursday, June 18
- Authorities are seeking help identifying the owners of the unleashed dogs
- Michael Roberts may be able to avoid rabies shots, as his coat could’ve protected him from the dogs’ saliva during the attack
An elderly Massachusetts man is recovering from injuries suffered when multiple unleashed dogs attacked him during his routine morning walk.
At around 9 a.m. local time on Thursday, June 18, Michael Roberts was viciously attacked by two white dogs and a boxer on a trail near the NewBridge on the Charles senior living community in Dedham, according to Fox 8 Live and Dedham Animal Control.
The “medium in size” canines were unleashed while accompanied by three women, who were described as being in either their 20s or 30s. According to Dedham Animal Control, the women gathered their dogs and immediately fled after the incident.
“I was stunned to say the least because it was really terrifying,” Roberts, 86, recalled to Fox 8 Live. “To be knocked down by a big dog and then by being bitten is my worst nightmare.”
Credit: Getty
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Roberts suffered “multiple dog bites” in the incident, including a serious arm injury, per the outlet.
He was rushed to the ER and informed that he may need to undergo a series of post-exposure rabies vaccines if Dedham Animal Control cannot determine the dogs' ownership and vaccination statuses.
Roberts suggested to Fox 8 Live that the boxer dog may have been triggered to attack after seeing him in a bright orange coat.
“He came running at me, jumped up and knocked me down,” he told the outlet.
“[The dog] put his jaws on here and clamped,” Roberts added, referring to the injury on his arm.
Roberts said he was too busy fighting for his life to observe the owners' reactions. According to Fox 8 Live, doctors believe he's unlikely to need rabies shots, as his coat may have protected him from the animals' saliva.
“Two were the skin is scraped and bleeding, and the third was more of a puncture wound,” said Roberts of his injuries.
Dedham Animal Control has urged the local community to assist with their investigation into the incident.
“Anyone who may routinely walk this path and may be familiar with any of these parties as described by gender, age, and/or the accompanying dogs, is asked to please reach out to us,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “We strongly encourage those responsible for this incident to do the right thing and come forward, and to know that surveillance footage is being reviewed by property security.”
Dedham Animal Control did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further comment on Sunday, June 21. PEOPLE was unable to contact the NewBridge on the Charles.
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