18-Year-Old Hospitalized With Non-Life-Threatening Injuries After Pit Bull Bite

According to a News4SanAntonio report, an 18-year-old man was hospitalized Saturday after a dog bit him near Harlandale Park.¹

Police reported the incident happened at around 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 30th, at the 7200 block of Briar Place on the city’s South Side. The man told police he was bitten by a large black Pit Bull that was not on a leash. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police searched the area, but the owner fled the scene with the dog. ACS is requesting that the public call 311 if they have any information.

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Did You Know?

Roughly 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year — 800,000 of these bites require medical attention.²

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Aggressive Dogs: What San Antonio Dog Owners Need to Know

Dog attacks, like the one near Harlandale Park, raise an important question: how is a dog’s aggression defined, and what happens when an aggressive dog causes harm?

San Antonio is no stranger to these incidents. With dog attack rates climbing, the city has taken a stricter approach to protecting residents. For dog owners, understanding how aggression is proven—and the potential legal consequences—is critical.

How Aggression Can Be Proven

Aggression isn’t only about whether a dog has bitten before. Animal Care Services (ACS) and legal investigators may consider a dog “aggressive” if it:

• Has a documented history of attacking or attempting to attack people or animals.

• Displays repeated threatening behavior (lunging, snapping, growling) when unprovoked.

• Has been the subject of prior complaints or investigations with ACS.

Evidence can come from police reports, witness testimony, veterinary records, or ACS reports. Together, these determine whether a dog is classified as aggressive or dangerous.

Legal Implications for Owners

Under Texas law, owners can be held legally responsible if their dog injures someone, particularly if the dog was already known to be dangerous.

Consequences may include:

• Civil liability — Victims may sue for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Criminal charges — Severe cases, especially when a dangerous dog causes serious injury, can result in criminal penalties.

• Animal seizure or euthanasia — Courts may order aggressive dogs removed from the owner or humanely euthanized to prevent future attacks.

For victims, proving the dog’s aggressive history—or showing that the owner failed to act responsibly—is often key to recovering compensation.

Can Aggression Be Trained Out of a Dog?

Not every aggressive dog is beyond help. Often, aggression stems from fear, poor socialization, or lack of training. Professional trainers and behaviorists may recommend:

• Early socialization — Introducing puppies to new people, dogs, and environments in safe settings.

• Obedience training — Teaching consistent commands to establish control.

• Professional intervention — Certified trainers or animal behaviorists can help redirect aggressive behavior.

Even with training, owners must take precautions: using leashes in public, maintaining secure enclosures, and never ignoring warning signs.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Dog Attack

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including nerve damage, deep puncture wounds, and infections. If you or a loved one is attacked:

1. Seek medical treatment immediately — Even minor bites can become infected.

2. Report the incident — File a report with ACS so the dog’s behavior is officially documented.

3. Gather evidence — Take photos of injuries, keep medical records, and collect witness statements.

4. Contact an attorney — A lawyer can explain your rights and pursue compensation from the dog’s owner.

Injured in a Dog Attack in San Antonio? Call Shaw.

Dog attacks are frightening, painful, and often preventable. Owners who fail to restrain aggressive dogs put others at risk—and Texas law allows victims to hold them accountable.

If you or your child was injured in a dog attack in San Antonio, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency Treatment Costs

• Pain and Suffering

• Trauma/PTSD

• Missed Work

• Medical Bills

• And More

We’ll help you find out if you have a case—for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced dog attack lawyer in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations—just the expert legal advice you need.

Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.

 

 

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¹News4SanAntonio Report

²Texas Department of State Health Services