Attorney says 81-year-old lost 50% of his body muscle after being attacked by pack of dogs

BRENT, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - A lawsuit was filed in connection with a vicious dog attack that happened last week in Alabama.

The lawsuit was filed after 81-year-old James Boyd was attacked by seven dogs while walking to his mailbox.

The reported attack occurred on Sept. 24 in the middle of a gravel driveway off Bibb County Road 58.

According to Boyd’s attorney, North Patterson, he remains in intensive care at UAB Hospital after losing 50% of his body muscle.

Patterson said this wasn’t just a dog attack, but a brutal mauling.

“The injuries were catastrophic. His scalp has been ripped from his head. He has gruesome injuries on his arms. These are life-threatening injuries. Of all the years of our practice, this is the most violent dog bites, dog injuries we’ve seen,” Patterson said.

And the person who witnessed it was James Boyd’s wife, Martha Boyd. She tried to help, despite being on a walker before falling on the driveway.

Brent Police Chief Carl McMillan was the first to arrive at the scene from the department. He said he fired a shot at one of the dogs to scare them away.

“Mr. Carl McMillan, with the Brent Police Department, is the local hero,” Patterson said.

According to Patterson, the lawsuit has been filed by the Boyds against their neighbors, the owners of the dogs, who have 30 days to respond.

“The individual owners can be held liable and that’s what we have here. These dogs were violent. They’ve shown in the past aggressive behavior toward other people,” the attorney said.

Authorities said the dogs are no longer roaming the countryside on County Road 58 after being taken in by the Bibb County Animal Facility. No word yet on what will happen to them.

Patterson said James Boyd is receiving excellent medical care, loved ones are with him, but he appears to have a long road to recovery ahead of him.