Today in Oak Cliff, a neighborhood walk on Marfa Avenue turned into a nightmare when a neighbor’s pit bull tore into a woman, leaving her with severe injuries and a long road back. Toni Hudson says the dog ripped into her face, nearly to her neck, and snapped her finger. She is still in the hospital, and her injuries have reshaped not only how she moves through the world, but how her children now see their mom.
Hudson's account
Speaking with FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Hudson recounted that the pit bull first went after another person before turning on her. She said the dog clamped onto her leg, shook her to the ground and then went for her face. According to Hudson, the attack dragged on for roughly 10 minutes, with bites reaching "almost to my neck" before anyone could stop it. She told the station the mauling also broke her finger and left her hospitalized, and that she is now trying to raise money to cover mounting medical expenses and the long recovery ahead.
Police and animal-services response
Dallas police confirmed they responded to the scene, and Dallas Animal Services took custody of the dog after the attack, according to the station. Hudson said help finally arrived when a driver in a passing truck started leaning on the horn, which got the owner’s attention and helped bring the attack to an end.
Road to recovery
Hudson remains hospitalized, and her family and medical providers expect a lengthy recovery that could involve surgeries and rehabilitation. She described the emotional toll on her children, saying that when they look at her, they see me, and they just cry. As she heals, Hudson and her family are seeking financial support to stay afloat through her recovery.
What the law allows
Under state law, courts can order a dog seized and impounded if it causes serious bodily injury and, after a hearing, can in some cases order the animal destroyed. The Texas Health and Safety Code also allows criminal penalties for owners who fail to properly secure a dog that then attacks and seriously injures someone.
According to Dallas Animal Services, residents should report dog bites to 311 so the department can investigate, quarantine or impound animals when needed and enforce the city’s dangerous-dog rules.
Neighbors' worries
Hudson said she is worried the dog could attack neighborhood children if it ever gets loose again, noting that kids live directly across the street from the owner’s property. City officials urge residents to call 311 about loose or aggressive dogs so Animal Services can document incidents that might support enforcement actions or a dangerous-dog designation.
