Texas Accident & Injury News
Pit Bull attacks can have catastrophic consequences.
Pit Bull Ordered to Be Euthanized, ACS Pursuing Criminal Charges After Multiple Attacks on the Northwest Side
According to a report from KSAT, an 80-year-old woman was hospitalized after a pit bull attacked her at her home earlier this month.¹
Police reported the incident happened at around 10:50 a.m. Thursday, May 7th, at a home in the 8900 block of Arch Bridge near New Guilbeau Road on the Northwest Side.
The woman’s granddaughter and her boyfriend were visiting the home with the dog when the woman stepped outside and was attacked. The granddaughter was able to pull the dog off of her and contain it. The woman suffered injuries to the face and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Neighbors told KSAT this was not the first incident involving the dog. A little girl was reportedly attacked the previous week and suffered multiple bite injuries.
A judge has since ordered the dog to be euthanized. ACS is reportedly pursuing criminal charges against the owner, including attack by dog causing serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony. Officials also stated the owner has been uncooperative during the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Pit bull attacks are associated with higher hospital costs and a greater risk of death than attacks involving other breeds, according to a 2011 study.²
What Legal Responsibilities Do Dog Owners Have in Texas?
Most dog owners never expect their pet to seriously hurt someone.
But when a dog has already shown signs of aggression, the situation changes quickly. A bite that once seemed “minor” can become a warning sign of something much more dangerous later.
That is why attacks involving repeat incidents often raise difficult questions afterward—not just about what happened, but about whether the attack could have been prevented.
In Texas, dog owners can face both civil liability and criminal charges when they fail to properly control a dangerous animal.
Texas Law Requires Owners to Control Dangerous Dogs
Dog owners are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent their animals from harming others.
That responsibility includes things like:
- Properly restraining dogs on private property
- Keeping dogs secured behind fences or enclosures
- Preventing dogs from roaming freely
- Following quarantine and vaccination requirements
When a dog has a known history of aggression, owners are expected to take even greater precautions to keep others safe.
Previous Attacks Can Change Everything
One of the biggest factors in many dog attack cases is whether the dog showed signs of aggression before the incident occurred.
Investigators may look at:
- Previous bite or attack reports
- Prior complaints to ACS
- Whether the owner knew the dog posed a danger
- Whether warnings were ignored
If an owner knew the dog was dangerous and still failed to control it, the legal consequences can become much more serious.
That is one reason why prior reports and complaints are often so important after a major attack.
Severe Dog Attacks Can Lead to Criminal Charges
In severe cases, a dog attack can become more than just a civil issue.
Texas law allows criminal charges when a dangerous dog causes serious bodily injury or death because the owner failed to properly secure or control the animal.
Investigators may examine questions like:
- Was the dog improperly restrained?
- Did the owner ignore previous incidents or warnings?
- Did the owner act recklessly in handling the animal?
These criminal investigations are separate from any injury claim the victim may pursue.
Even if criminal charges are filed, victims may still have the right to seek financial compensation through a civil claim.
Victims May Also Have a Civil Claim
People injured in serious dog attacks may have the right to pursue compensation for both physical and emotional harm.
This may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgery or reconstructive care
- Pain and emotional trauma
- Lost wages during recovery
Facial injuries can be especially traumatic, particularly for children and older adults. In many cases, recovery involves not only physical healing, but emotional recovery as well.
Why Reporting Dangerous Dogs Matters
Reporting aggressive dogs to Animal Care Services can help prevent future attacks before someone is seriously hurt.
Prior complaints often become important evidence later if another attack occurs. Reports may help establish whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take proper action.
Taking these incidents seriously can help protect other families in the neighborhood from being harmed.
Injured in a Dog Attack? Call Shaw.
Dog attack cases often move quickly, especially when prior complaints, ACS investigations, or criminal charges are involved. Important evidence can disappear fast.
If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack anywhere in San Antonio, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and emergency treatment
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Lost wages and long-term care costs
- And more
At Carabin Shaw, we’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced San Antonio dog bite lawyer. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance from a firm that puts their clients first.
We look forward to serving you.