Riverside County pool man attacked by pit bull mix speaks out

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A pool man severely injured in a dog attack in Riverside County is speaking out, as the dog's fate is being determined.

Andy Ortiz was attacked by a pit bull mix as he was cleaning a pool at a rental home in September. He was able to escape by jumping a fence, but not before he suffered injuries to his face, leg and right arm.

"As I lost my balance the dog just attacked me," Ortiz said. "Jumped right on top of me, grabbed my leg immediately, started going at me, and I'm freaking out. As I try to get up, he grabbed my face."

Ortiz said he had told the family in the past that the dog, named Pigbert, was acting aggressively toward him.

Ortiz and the dog's owners, Paul and Catherine Mason, attended a hearing on Wednesday to help determine what should happen to Pigbert.

"He's a sweet dog, he's never hurt, harmed, bit anyone, or been aggressive," said Catherine Mason. "He's the greatest family dog in the world."

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is recommending the dog be put down. But the dog's owners are hoping they'll be able take him back home.

"Even if Pigbert did commit this, it was one-time where responsible owners were willing to take further precautions more than they already have," said Jeremiah Raxter, attorney for the dog's family.

Ortiz believes he narrowly escaped with his life and doesn't want anyone else to suffer a similar or worse fate.

"It's tough, it's going to be a long road back, but we'll get there," Ortiz said.

Ortiz says since the attack, he has not been able to work. He will need additional surgeries to repair the muscle and tissue damage to his arm.

Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe account to help Ortiz, who does not have insurance. You can donate here.

Meantime, it will be a week until a third-party hearing officer will make a decision on what will happen to Pigbert. The third-party officer was present for Wednesday's testimony.