The tragedy of a fatal dog attack in West San Antonio, Texas, has left an elderly man dead and a woman in critical condition, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.
Fire Captain Charles Hood said in a press conference that the attack occurred on a sidewalk when the pair were walking. Two Staffordshire Terriers viciously attacked the man and woman, leaving them both severely injured. The firefighters on the scene had to fight off the dogs with pickaxes and pipe poles to get to the victims.
The elderly man didn’t survive the attack and the woman remains in critical condition. One firefighter was also bitten on the leg, but is expected to recover.
The dogs have been taken into animal custody and the owners may face potential charges. Shannon Wade Sims, the director of Animal Care Services at the City of San Antonio, said that the dogs had been impounded two years ago for a “mild bite” and that there have been other calls of neglect on the owners’ part.
This senseless tragedy is a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership. It is essential that dog owners be aware of their pet’s behavior and train them to be obedient and non-violent. It is also important for dog owners to keep their pets leashed and away from other people and animals, as even the most docile of dogs can become aggressive in the wrong circumstances.
This tragedy should also serve as a reminder to be aware of our surroundings when we are out in public. Be aware of any dogs that may be in the area, and if you see a dog acting aggressively, contact the authorities immediately.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims during this difficult time.