Man, 81, Has Scalp Ripped Off in Attack by 7 Dogs, Now Faces Possible Limb Amputation

An Alabama man is fighting for his life after being viciously attacked by seven dogs while walking to his mailbox in Bibb County.

Jamie Boyd, 81, was mauled by canines allegedly owned by his neighbors, William and Lacey Mitchell, on September 24, according to local outlet WBRC. His wife tried to intervene but fell while using her walker during the chaos.

Responding officers arrived as the attack continued. Brent Police Chief Carl McMillan fired a shot at one of the dogs, believing it was targeting Mrs. Boyd. “I don’t know if I hit him or not. He didn’t holler out, but they took off running,” McMillan told the outlet.

The couple, William Mitchell, 53, and Lacey Mitchell, 50, were later indicted by a Bibb County grand jury on October 3. Both face one count under Emily’s Law — an Alabama statute that holds owners accountable when their dogs cause serious harm — for control of dangerous dogs.

Boyd suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of his scalp and nearly half of his muscle tissue. He remains in critical condition at UAB Hospital’s intensive care unit.

“He is facing amputation of his arm and potentially his leg to stop a severe infection that’s out of control,” Boyd’s attorney, Paul Patterson, told WBRC. “The family is asking for prayers from the community.”

According to Patterson, the dogs involved were a mix of pit bulls and pit bull breeds.

Court documents cited by WBRC indicate that the Mitchells were aware their dogs posed a danger. Both have pleaded not guilty and signed waivers of arraignment.

Patterson described the incident as one of the worst maulings he has seen in decades of civil law practice. “I think the legislature really needs to take another look at Emily’s Law,” he said. “It should carry harsher penalties for people who show reckless disregard for others’ safety when keeping these types of dogs.”

The seven dogs were seized and are now being held at the Bibb County Animal Facility.

William and Lacey Mitchell were released on $5,000 bond each, according to AL.com. Their arraignment is scheduled for early December.

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