Unfed puppies maul man suffering cancer

A 55-year-old terminal cancer patient is in critical condition after being mauled by unfed pit-bull puppies in his Parkland home, where investigators found 27 dogs of various ages and breeds.

Investigators believe Michael Warner, who weighs about 100 pounds, was left unattended on the floor in his home in the 12100 block of Sixth Avenue East.

Pierce County deputies arrested a relative of Warner's and the relative's friend, who were acting as his caretakers, on suspicion of criminal mistreatment and obstruction of justice Saturday night. Pierce County sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said police are also investigating a large amount of missing prescription medication belonging to Warner.

No charges have been filed.

The relative's friend brought Warner to Tacoma General Hospital over the weekend, saying he had been abandoned by his caretakers, Troyer said.

It became obvious to hospital staff members that Warner had suffered from dog bites.

"The dogs didn't attack him," Troyer said. "He was down, and they used him as a food source. They were puppies and didn't know any better."

Warner remains in critical condition, unable to communicate with investigators, Troyer said.

The caretakers attempted to "clean up and cover up" the scene at Warner's home, Troyer said. The home was "nasty" and "unfit for human habitation," he said, with dogs living any place they could find.

The 27 dogs found in Warner's house are in quarantine at the Humane Society for Tacoma.

The relative remains in the Pierce County Jail on an unrelated charge. The friend has been released.

Noelene Clark: 206-464-2321 or nclark@seattletimes.com