A man mauled to death by a pack of dogs tried to save himself by crawling out of a window to escape in the last moments of the attack.
Nicholas Glass, 33, was looking after two XL bullies, an American bulldog and a mixed-breed Staffordshire terrier for his brother who was in the hospital.
Police were called when the dogs were seen roaming loose in the area and officers discovered Mr Glass’ body in the back garden of his home.
Birmingham Coroner’s Court heard Mr Glass had most likely escaped out of a window after being attacked, but bled to death as he tried to make it to safety.
He was found to have multiple injuries including a severe wound to his left eye as well as puncture marks to his feet and legs.
Delivering a narrative conclusion, Birmingham Assistant Coroner Adam Hodson said two of the animals were secured and the two others were found by police several days later. Mr Glass died as a result of blunt force trauma from multiple dog bites.
Mr Hodson said: “This appears to have been a terrible tragedy. It appears to me Nicholas was a caring brother and son who simply offered to look after his brother’s dogs while his brother was in hospital.
“He sadly lost his life as a terrible consequence. I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Nicholas was bitten by more than one of his brother’s dogs.
“There is no evidence as to which breed of dog was responsible.”
He said it was possible Mr Glass had been attacked in the property, left via a window and hidden behind a fence panel before “succumbing to his injuries.” It was also possible the victim could be heard crying for help.
At the time of the attack it was reported neither of the XL Bullies found had a certificate of exemption, despite the law change.
In a tribute released through police last month, Mr Glass’s family said: “In Nicholas, we’ve lost a loving son, brother and uncle who was adored by all of his family and friends.
“He was kind-hearted, caring and compassionate and he’d do anything for anyone. We are devastated at his loss and we all miss him desperately.”
