The man sustained serious injuries to his face and head and neighbors said they were not surprised by what happened.
"Those dogs had gotten loose many times before and the owners never listened," said Armida Vargas, a resident on Flor Bonita.
Neighbors described the scene as 'horrifying.' Spokesman for the City of Socorro, David Garcia, said the man was taken to Del Sol Medical Center and is now in stable condition. The man, believed to be homeless and in his 40's, had to have an ear amputated and his face was disfigured in the attack.
Vargas confirmed that the same pack of dogs previously mauled her small dog and required veterinary care.
"I took my veterinary receipt over so that he could repay me and he threatened me, telling me to get off their property," said Vargas.
Vargas also said she felt a sense of anger that the dogs attacked a homeless man trying to make a living by collecting aluminum cans.
"He collects cans and he makes a living that way. Everyone here helps him out, we all help by giving him food, just about everyone here helps him," said Vargas.
Our media partner, the El Paso Times identified the man as Armando Gutierrez.
According to neighbors he is disabled and carried around a small pet companion, which did not survive Friday's attack.
The owner of the dogs, Maria Stephenson, has been cited said Socorro city officials.
El Paso Animal Services said the owner turned over the dogs. The owner has voluntarily requested that they be put down.
(KFOX - Dec 1, 2012)
