GOREVILLE, Ill. (WSIL) � UPDATE: 9:24 p.m. -- The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said the threat to the public is over after they have captured nine dogs which were believed to have mauled a person on Saturday night in the Goreville area.
“There is no further threat to public safety�, stated Sheriff Jeff Diederich.
Deputies and the Williamson Animal Control, said they found 9 aggressive dogs which they believed were Pitbull or Pitbull mix and captured them. The sheriff's office said one of the dogs was hit by a passing car along Illinois Route 37.
The sheriff's office said it is believed the 9 dogs attacked the victim as a pack and he was mauled multiple times.
Sheriff Diederich stated, “This was a gruesome scene with very serious injuries."
ORIGINAL: February 22, 8:15 p.m. -- Authorities are warning the public to stay away from the 500-block of Birmingham Lane in Goreville after large dogs reportedly attacked a person.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said their deputies responded to Birmingham Lane near Goreville after a 911 call reported 4-5 large dogs which attacked a male on Saturday night Â
The sheriff’s office said the victim was severely injured. EMS was treating him and he is expected to be airlifted to an area trauma center.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said the public is to avoid the area until they can capture the dogs which remain at large.
A Williamson County Animal Control was also called to the area to assist.
