An elderly Durban man was in a serious condition after being mauled by his own pitbull terrier at his home in the Bluff on Saturday, paramedics said.
The 75-year-old man had apparently gone out to give the dog water when it attacked him, said Netcare 911 spokesman Chris Botha.
The man was severely mauled by the dog. He sustained serious bites to his arms, legs and abdomen.
Almost all the flesh had been stripped off on his one hand, Botha said.
A neighbour saw the attack and called for help.
The man was taken to the St Augustine's hospital for emergency treatment.
The dog was shot by police. - Sapa