Man killed after he was attacked by several dogs in Compton area

Over a dozen pit bulls were euthanized after a 35-year-old man was mauled to death in the backyard of a home in Compton. The county confirmed all the animals were linked to the attack.

Investigators believe the attack happened around 7 or 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, in the 900 block of North Thorson Avenue.

Authorities were not notified of the incident until the next day when they received a call from the victim's girlfriend.

When authorities and paramedics arrived at the scene, they found a man with several wounds inside a kennel located in the backyard.

The man, identified as 35-year-old Dominic Cooper, was pronounced dead at the scene. His cause of death was listed as "deferred" by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. 

Surveillance video caught at least part of the attack and the investigator said the man appeared to have been feeding the dogs when some of them began fighting, leading to the attack. 

"It was discovered that the victim was in the backyard feeding the dogs when he was attacked and ultimately died from his injuries," said Lt. Michael Gomez, LASD Homicide.

Cooper was believed to have been breeding the dogs at his home, officials said. Following the attack, the county Department of Animal Care and Control took possession of the animals, five adults and eight puppies ranging in age from four to six months.  

On Tuesday, Downey Animal Care Center revealed that all 13 pit bulls were euthanized. 

"Given the potential threat posed to the community, this action was deemed necessary," said a DAAC spokesperson.

Sheriff's officials could not immediately confirm that the man was breeding the animals, but said it appeared likely given the number of dogs at the home and the presence of several kennels in the backyard.