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Man Loses Arm in Dangerous Dog Bite Attack in Hawthorne

Putnam, Fla. - A man was sent to the hospital Friday, June 10, after he suffered a vicious dog bite attack from his next-door neighbor's dogs.

The Florida Times-Union reports that Roy McSweeney, 74, was working in his backyard at his lake-front home on Old Hawthorne Road when it happened. It was about 11 a.m. when the dogs mauled McSweeney.

The dogs completely ripped off McSweeney's right arm and partially ripped off his left arm. He also suffered severe facial injuries. McSweeney was taken to Shands at the University of Florida hospital in Gainesville, where he was reported to be in critical condition as of June 11.

The dogs were owned by neighbor Deanna Blitch. Capt. Johnny Greenwood of the Putnam County Sherriff's Office said that authorities have dealt with Blitch's dogs twice already in the past. 

Another neighbor also said that Blitch's dogs get out "all the time." Authorities described the dogs as pit bull mixes. 

The dogs have been euthanized and officials at the Sherriff's Office said the dogs are also going to be checked for rabies.

McSweeney has been described by neighbors as a nice and easy-going man who was already in poor health before this incident.

Any possible charges against Blitch have not yet been released.

Contacting a Florida Dog Bite Lawyer

If you have been attacked by a pit bull or any other dog, it would be in your best interest to contact a Florida dog bite lawyer. Filing a personal injury claim as the result of a Florida dog bite can be complex. In cases such as these, it's best that you have an experienced and trustworthy St. Petersburg, Florida, dog bite lawyer on your side.

To consult with a St. Petersburg, Florida, dog bite lawyer about your Florida personal injury claim, contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947.

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