Brother, Mario mauled by vicious dogs on Sunday

Our brother, El Paso Texas resident, Mario Cepeda, 57, was mauled by 7 vicious dogs, Sunday evening, January 29, 2022, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was airlifted by helicopter Sunday night and is in serious condition in the Trauma Center at University Medical Center in El Paso. He underwent 3 hours of surgery and received 300 stitches on his arms, legs and head. He will undergo another surgery tomorrow, February 2.

On Sunday, Mario was visiting our other brother, David Cepeda, at his residence in Las Cruces when the attack occurred. Mario was not aware of how vicious the dogs were. The dogs attacked him as he stepped out of the house and into the yard. He was mauled by the dogs for a least 1 hour before the next-door neighbor heard the screams and chased the dogs away. The dogs have been taken away. Their fate has not been determined.

Mario is in severe pain and will require at least 1 year of reconstructive surgery because the dogs bit him to the bone in many parts of his body. In addition, he runs a high risk of infection in the open wounds. Doctors say that it is a miracle that he survived such a gruesome attack.

We have set up a GoFundMe account are asking for financial assistance from the public to help cover his medical expenses. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Armando Cepeda – brother

Theresa Rodriguez – sister