An Amazon driver delivering a package in Southwest San Antonio is the latest victim in a string of dog attacks that’s forced the city into a reckoning with the problem of stray and unrestrained canines.
The man was dropping off a package early Monday at a home in the 200 block of McNarney Street near Palo Alto College when an American Staffordshire — a type of pit bull — jumped the fence and attacked, the Express-News reports.
The man suffered severe facial injuries, and the dog bit his lip bit off, News4SA reports.
The canine’s owner sprung into action and came outside to help, allowing the Amazon driver to dial 911, according to the daily. As of late Monday afternoon, authorities had filed no charges and the dog is in the custody of Animal Control Services.
Monday’s incident is the latest in a spate of grisly dog attacks in San Antonio this year.
In February, 81-year-old retired Air Force veteran Ramon Najera was mauled to death by a pair of American Staffordshire terriers while visiting a friend’s home on the West Side. That incident garnered national attention.
Last month, an American Staffordshire escaped under a neighbor’s fence and mauled Paul Anthony Striegl while he was in his backyard, the Express-News reported. One of Striegl’s arms was amputated due to the attack and he died from complications from his injuries weeks later.
In the wake of the attacks, City Council allocated $26.9 million to Animal Care Services, a 26% funding increase from last year.
San Antonio lawmakers also championed a bill in the Texas Legislature to stiffen penalties for owners of dogs that commit attacks. However, Gov. Greg Abbott killed the measure amid a flurry of vetoes carried out in retaliation for the Texas Senate not moving ahead on legislation to cut property taxes.
Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed
Related Stories
San Antonio’s budget boost for Animal Care Services not enough, critics say
San Antonio City Council passes $3.7 billion budget. Here are the highlights.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes San Antonio-backed bill that that would stiffened dog-attack penalties
San Antonio man mauled by dogs on same day Animal Control Services adds 16 hires
San Antonio woman loses ear in city’s latest dog attack
San Antonio ACS touts new hiring days after attorney accuses department of negligence
This article appears in Oct 18-30, 2023.
