Still unknown if dogs held at shelter mauled California man

Authorities have not yet been able to determine if the 11 dogs currently being held at the animal control shelter in El Centro were the pack of dogs that severely mauled a Winterhaven man late last month.

According to Sgt. Scott Sheppeard of the Imperial County Sheriff's Office,  the victim has not been able to identify the animals because he is still under sedation while being treated for his wounds.

"All indication are, however, that these were probably the dogs, we just don't have confirmation yet," Sheppeard said.

The victim, 48-year-old Gordon Lykins, was severely mauled by a pack of dogs on March 28 about a half-mile south of White Road, which is in the Bard area.

Lykins, based on statements from two individuals who saw him prior to the attack, was on a drainage canal road sometime between 2 and 6 p.m. when he was attacked by a pack of 11 dogs that may have belonged to a nearby resident.

  Deputies from ICSO responded to the scene at about 6:45 that evening after the dogs' owner found the severely injured Lykins and called in a report.

  The dogs are currently being held at the animal control shelter in El Centro, where they will remain until authorities determine whether they were the dogs that committed the attack. 

  Sheppeard said the dog's owner is not currently facing any criminal charges, but could later if the dogs taken from the property are identified as the ones who attacked Lykins.

  In addition to one of his legs being nearly chewed off, Lykins sustained numerous dog bites over several areas of his body.

  Lykins, who is being treated in a Phoenix hospital, had to have one of his legs amputated from below the knee because of the mauling.

   Sheppeard added that ICSO was told by family members that Lykins is now is stable condition.

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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.