Man Bitten by 2 Pit Bulls in Serious Condition

A Sylmar man who was attacked by two stray pit bull terriers remained in serious condition Thursday after four hours of surgery to repair his injuries, including the loss of an ear and part of his scalp, animal services officials said.

Asencion Cervantez, 40, was attacked by the dogs, a male and female, about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday shortly after he reported to work at Valley Crest Tree Co. in Sylmar.

“This is one of the most vicious, severe cases I’ve ever seen,” said Capt. Richard Felosky of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services.

The department is searching for leads on the owner of the dogs, which were captured with the help of Los Angeles Police Department officers and were being held at the West Valley Animal Care and Control Center.

A county official said the two pit pulls were probably doubly aggressive because neither had been neutered or spayed.

Cervantez, the father of three, underwent surgery at County/USC Medical Center to repair injuries to his face, head, leg and hand, a hospital spokesman said.

A trucker who often parks his 18-wheeler near the nursery responded to Cervantez’ screams and called for help.

“That was the worst thing I’ve seen in my life,” said Jerry Holman, who wielded a binder bar from his truck and a knife as he ran to the victim’s aid. By then, the dogs had run away.

“He stumbled toward me saying, ‘Dogs, dogs’ and then just collapsed.”

Cervantez will have to undergo a series of reconstructive surgeries, said County-USC spokeswoman Adelaida De La Cerda.