A mother and her son were left with multiple injuries Wednesday afternoon after their own family dog turned on them on San Antonio’s South Side, according to Animal Care Services. Authorities responded to the 100 block of Montrose near South Presa Street, where the dog was reportedly shot at the scene.
As first detailed by KSAT, Animal Care Services said it is working with officers to sort out what happened, and that no additional information was immediately available. The station’s brief account remains the only public reporting on the incident so far.
What authorities can do after a bite
State health rules require anyone who knows of an animal bite that could transmit rabies to report it to the local rabies control authority. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, animals that bite must either be quarantined for observation or euthanized and tested. The standard quarantine period is 10 days, and if the animal remains healthy through that window, officials say it could not have transmitted rabies during the bite.
Local rules for dangerous dogs
San Antonio’s animal ordinances spell out how the city investigates, seizes and confines dogs that are alleged to be dangerous or aggressive, and give Animal Care officers authority to impound animals while a case is being investigated, according to the San Antonio municipal code. Those rules also allow penalties for owners whose animals inflict severe injury.
Recent local coverage has highlighted a tougher enforcement posture from Animal Care Services. In an April case, KSAT reported that the owner of dogs involved in an attack that injured a woman on the Northwest Side received six criminal citations, and investigators were pursuing a serious bodily injury case. Officials have said they are reviewing whether additional enforcement or dangerous dog filings are needed as reports of severe bites have risen in recent years.
How to report a bite and protect yourself
City materials advise residents to report animal bite emergencies by calling 3-1-1 and remind pet owners they are required to vaccinate and properly restrain their animals. The city’s Chapter 5 pamphlet outlines what to expect during an investigation, including the possibility of quarantine.
For immediate care after a bite, public health materials urge people to wash wounds, seek medical attention quickly and follow guidance on rabies post exposure prophylaxis when appropriate, according to the City of San Antonio.
Legal consequences for owners
Under San Antonio’s animal laws, the owner of an aggressive or dangerous animal that causes severe injury can face misdemeanor charges along with fees and court costs. Animal Care Services can also impound animals while cases are under review, and the agency has used citations and seizure powers in other recent attacks as prosecutors decide whether to move forward with charges.
In Wednesday’s South Side case, Animal Care Services said it is still coordinating with officers to gather more details. Authorities had not released the ages of the victims or clarified the dog’s ownership status as of Wednesday evening.
