Maui man shares physical and mental scars after recovering from dog attack while fishing

KAHANA (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Maui man who was attacked by three dogs shares his story in hopes of raising awareness about responsible pet ownership.

Vicente Cacal was fishing in Kahana on October 4 when he said three rampaging dogs surrounded him.

“They had training, their teeth were already out. I knew they were going to attack me. That’s when I was like, ‘Get ready.’ I was fighting for my life, ”Cacal said.

Both Cacal’s legs were punctured and torn. He ended up in hospital and out of work for weeks.

“They knocked me down twice. My life passed before me. It was scary, ”Cacal said.

More than two months later, Cacal is still drinking and the injuries are still very visible.

The Maui Humane Society said the two of the three dogs attacked two other people the next day.

Director of Human Rights Enforcement Cathy Klawiter said they had impounded the two dogs, one of which was already considered dangerous.

“Human rights enforcement officers impounded the two dogs that had been involved in the three attacks, one of which was deemed dangerous on June 12, 2021. The second dog was deemed dangerous on October 10 2021, “Klawiter said.

Klawiter said the dog deemed dangerous in June was still at the Maui Humane Society.

“The Animal Control Council has decided to turn this dog over to the Maui Humane Society,” she said.

Dogs have separate owners. Both received criminal citations. The cases are pending.

The other was returned to its owner in November.

“The owner of the second dog found to be dangerous on October 10, 2021 appealed the decision and the Animal Control Board held a hearing on November 1, 2021. The Animal Control Board upheld the dog’s decision and the owner has retained ownership of the dog. dog, ”Klawiter said.

The owner said she is required to have a fence around her entire property and if the dog is in the yard they must be in a locked kennel or on a leash with a muzzle.

She is also required to have an insurance policy of $ 50,000.

She also said her dog, Bruiser, is taking behavior classes.

Cacal fears this is still not enough to keep the community safe.

“I fear for my life. I fear for my nieces my nephews, the keiki who come here ”, he declared. “I fear for the elders, everyone who comes to this beach.”

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