A 71-year-old man from Hawaii, identified as Robert Northrop, tragically lost his life on Tuesday morning after being attacked by a group of four large dogs in the Ocean View Estates subdivision. The incident occurred just before 9 a.m., as reported by the Hawaii Police Department. The dogs reportedly charged at Northrop without any provocation.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported hearing a disturbance outside his home in Ocean View. Upon investigating, he discovered the dogs attacking Northrop in the street. The neighbor managed to scare the dogs away and immediately dialed 911.
Upon arrival, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel found Northrop unconscious in the middle of the road. Despite the swift response of the medics, who rushed Northrop to the Kona Community Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries en route.
Hawaii Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz expressed his condolences and stated that no evidence suggests Northrop had provoked the attack. He described the incident as a “senseless tragedy” that could have been prevented.
The owners of the dogs were not present at the time of the attack, and it remains unclear how the dogs managed to escape. The owners are currently under investigation and have voluntarily surrendered the dogs, along with a litter of puppies, to the authorities. The investigation has been classified as a “Negligent Failure to Control a Dangerous Dog” case, a felony under Hawaii law. If found guilty, the owners could face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
The dogs and their puppies have been handed over to the Hawaii County Animal Control and Protection Agency. The breed of the dogs has not been disclosed by the police. Investigators are also looking into allegations that the dogs had previously been reported as strays.