SAN ANTONIO – The owners of a pack of dogs that got loose from their property and bit a woman on the leg have been issued a total of 32 criminal citations, Animal Care Services confirmed Thursday. The incident happened around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday near W. Southcross Blvd. and Priscilla St. on the Southwest Side.
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Five of the dogs, which are Labrador mixes, are currently in the custody of ACS as the investigation continues.
Officials tell us the woman was walking down the street when she came across a total of eight loose dogs and was attacked.
“It was a group of them, they were all involved, and we’re not exactly sure if it was just one or more that made the bite,” said ACS Interim Director Michael Shannon. “This is an example of really irresponsible pet ownership, where the owner is not doing right and creating an unsafe situation in their neighborhood.”
All of the dogs belonged to the same couple, a man and woman in their late 40’s. Shannon also revealed that the couple has a history with ACS.
“Three years ago, they had another animal involved with a dog bite, and that animal was taken by ACS and euthanized,” he said. “That owner was cited at that time with multiple citations, but unfortunately, the owner didn’t learn their lesson. They created another situation where they didn’t follow the rules, didn’t follow the laws.”
The 32 citations issued were for the bite itself, having unrestrained and free animals, and for not giving the dogs rabies vaccinations or microchips.
“We felt it was very important to let them know that this is unacceptable,” Shannon said.
The woman who was bit has since been released from the hospital and is working with ACS to file a formal “dangerous dog affidavit,” which will ultimately determine the fate of the five dogs in ACS custody.
“For pet owners, it’s your job to be responsible,” Shannon said. “You have to keep yourself and those animals safe, and you have to keep your neighborhood safe. It’s your job to do that. And we’re going to be out there, not only helping you and educating you, but at the same time we’re going to hold people accountable that don’t do it.”
This is the latest attack in our continuing coverage of dangerous dogs in San Antonio.
We were on the scene when officials took the dog into custody. Several other dogs were taken to the animal shelter.
Animal Care Services says it’s against the law to let your pets roam in public.
Teri Castillo, a District 5 city councilmember, released a statement on the incident:
“Irresponsible pet ownership is unacceptable as it places the health and safety of residents at risk and the dog bite that occurred on West Southcross is an intolerable example of neglectful pet ownership. The pet owner must and will be held accountable for their negligence. We are grateful for the safety of the victim and for the steadfast response from the San Antonio Police Department and Animal Care Services Department in their effort to provide safety and support for the bite victim.
As a reminder, dogs must remain safe and secured in people’s property, microchipped, and up to date on their vaccinations. Failure to take these basic safety measures can result in criminal charges. If you are concerned about dogs that are loose in your area, please contact 311 or 210.207.6000 to report it to Animal Care Services.”
