INDIANAPOLIS — Richard Hayes comes from a supportive family. Right now, that family is coming together after he survived a traumatic attack.
The family of the 64-year-old, who has special needs, says two dogs attacked him while he was on an early morning walk along Kitley Avenue, near 21st Street, on the east side of Indianapolis.
"He was bitten down to his bones. He's going to have a long recovery, as if his disabilities already weren't enough," said his sister, Joyce.
His sister said some people driving by in a van stopped to help him.
"I believe he is alive today because they stopped and got involved and got him the help he needed," Joyce said.
The attack happened just yards away from where 85-year-old Willie Mundine was attacked by dogs. He died from his injuries.
Joyce said after seeing the photo of one of the dogs, Richard said he is almost certain they are the same animals that attacked him.
"We were very, very lucky. So thankful that we still have our brother," Joyce said.
His sister said Richard is preparing for a second surgery, and his family is now calling for accountability.
"I think it falls a lot on the dog owner. I think that we need to be more diligent, if we have an aggressive breed, to take actions on our own," Joyce said.
As IMPD and IACS continue to search for the other dog involved in attacking and killing Mundine, Joyce just wants more people to be aware of what their animals are doing.
"At the end of the day, we just want to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else, and if there are other animals with the same tendency, people seek corrective actions for the dogs," Joyce said.
Joyce said her brother is in good spirits, but that he will most likely need to use a wheelchair for awhile and have to go to therapy.
13News reached out to police about the dog attack cases and is waiting to hear back.