A Franklin postal worker was attacked and seriously injured by dogs Friday afternoon.

Franklin Police report that the worker, who was not identified, was delivering mail at 804 Magnolia St. at about 1:40 p.m. when four boxers jumped the fence and three of them attacked him.

The worker went down under the onslaught of the dogs. A neighbor saw what was happening and ran out to assist, also resulting in an attack.

Police say a passerby witnessed the attack and joined in the rescue, and the three of them were able to get the dogs to break off their attack. The passerby used the buckle of his belt to beat the dogs away.

The post office employee was transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette. He suffered bites and scratches on his upper body, head and arm, including a severely damaged ear. The neighbor also had injuries to his torso and arm. He was treated at Franklin Foundation Hospital. Both have been released.

After dogs retreated inside the fenced yard, officers could not get close enough to close the gate due to the dogs’ continued aggression. A citizen backed an SUV up against the gate, finally closing it.

The dogs have been isolated at the St. Mary Parish Animal Control Center, police say, for a mandatory observation period. The owner has been charged with a leash law violation and will appear in Franklin City Court.

Chief Sabria McGuire said no complaints had been filed against the dogs in the past. She is awaiting a report from a veterinarian in New Iberia to confirm that the animals have been vaccinated.