Ed Mannon – a onetime homeless-rights advocate who gained
national attention years ago trying to save his dog from
execution – was so severely beaten last Thursday night that he
required 47 stitches. The assailant broke Mannon’s jaw and several
ribs, and shattered one of his eye sockets so badly that doctors at
Cottage Hospital stitched that eye closed. Mannon’s friends contend
Santa Barbara police failed to respond to warnings that Mannon’s
life may be in danger, due to a longstanding relationship with his
assailant. Police countered that Mannon refused to file a complaint
against his tormentor or seek a restraining order. Though police
have identified a suspect, no arrests have been made. Three years
ago, Mannon made the news when Santa Barbara City Councilmember
Brian Barnwell was attacked by pit bulls, one of whom belonged to
Mannon.
