Lowell Bowden, 70, of Monroe County died Dec. 6 after being attacked by a group of dogs six days earlier.

His family released a prepared statement Dec. 7. The family describes him as a husband, step-father and as an adored grandfather.

"He died because he took a walk last Friday, as he does every day, to think about all that life has given him," the statement reads. "… and four dogs viscously, brutally and fatally attacked him; mauling and destroying the most exposed part of his body leaving him unrecognizable by sight."

In the statement, the family blames lax laws for the attack.

"He died because of laws that do not send a harsh enough message to irresponsible dog owners to properly manage their dogs," the statement reads. "He died because the lack of ordinances that could provide stricter oversight of irresponsible dog owners and punish them to prevent tragedies such as this from happening.

"He died because the laws that deal with dog attacks within the state of West Virginia are categorized and charged as misdemeanors although a loss of life has occurred and allowing irresponsible dog owners to be convicted of a misdemeanor instead of a felony."

The family asked the community for help in pressuring lawmakers to toughen those laws.

"We ask for help from you … neighborhoods, communities, organizations and the media to send a loud and clear message to government officials, legislators, and lawmakers," the statement continues. "Change your laws so that irresponsible dog owners are held accountable for the negligent keep of their dogs ensuring that their dogs are kept in a manner to prevent another brutal mauling."

After the attack, Justin Blankenship, 20, and Kimberly Blankeship, 52, Anna Hughes, 32, and Mose Christian, 19, were arrested in connection with the incident. They all were arrested on misdemeanor charges, but those could be upgraded.