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On January 27, 2026 a heroic intervention prevented tragedy when a loose Belgian Malinois attacked two children in San Pedro Alcantara. A local man, out for a run, Iván, risked his life to rescue them, sustaining serious injuries in the process.
The incident has again raised concerns about dogs running loose in public places and the importance responsible pet ownership.
The frightening dog attack
Around 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 27, Tatyana was jogging along the paseo marítimo in San Pedro Alcantara, a suburb of Marbella, accompanied by her 11-year-old daughter Marta and 9-year-old family friend Sasha, who was riding a bicycle.
Unaware of its owner, a large Malinois – a powerful dog breed used for police and military purposes – appeared unrestrained and without warning. The dog lunged first at Marta knocking her down, and then trying to bite. The girl remained still and covered her head while she crouched. This caused the dog to retreat for a moment.
The out-of control dog was on Sasha in seconds. It dragged him off his bicycle and began biting at his legs, hands, and back. Tatyana lifted the terrified boy in her arms and climbed a lamppost, to keep him away from reach. She bit the animal, which tore through her clothes. People gathered around but were hesitant to intervene.
Iván’s selfless rescue amid chaos
Iván, a 36-year-old lorry driver and father of three, was out for his routine evening run to clear his mind when he heard screams and saw the commotion. He acted without hesitation.
He grabbed Sasha out of Tatyana’s hands and ran about 50 metres to a restaurant nearby, while carrying the child on his shoulders. The Malinois pursued him relentlessly, latching onto Iván’s arm and biting his back, arms, and face during the desperate escape.
The attack left Iván with severe wounds, including a deep 10-centimetre-long gash on one arm that damaged internal tissues. He needed multiple stitches, vaccinations, and hospital care until almost 3am.
Investigations into the aftermath and ongoing investigations
Other witnesses eventually restrained the dog by its collar until Policía Local de Marbella and an ambulance arrived, though help reportedly took around 40 minutes to come. The Malinois was a well-groomed dog, now in police custody. Its microchip identified it as a pet, not a stray. Authorities are investigating who owns the animal and the circumstances surrounding its release.
Four people were injured: the two children (Marta and Sasha), Tatyana, and Iván. Iulia, Sasha’s mother, who arrived shortly after, provided first aid to Iván.
The families, including Iván, are gathering medical reports for a joint complaint. Iván remains in contact with them, touched by their gratitude. He said, “They always ask how I’m doing.”
As a father Iván explained His instinct: “You don’t stop to think when you see something like this.” It could have even been my own children.”
In the past year, local dog shelter AAA saw a large increase in Belgian Malinois. After several TikTok videos went viral, showing Malinois trained to perform extraordinary leaps in order to retrieve a soccer ball, the breed gained popularity. Many people do not realize that this breed is extremely aggressive and requires constant professional supervision.
