San Antonio Community Urged to Address Dog Attacks After Teen’s Ordeal
San Antonio has found itself in a troubling spot as a 16-year-old girl was recently attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull in her own driveway. The incident left not only the young girl injured, but also her family shaken and concerned for their safety. This attack has sparked a conversation in the community about responsible pet ownership and the need for more stringent measures to prevent dog attacks.
The Incident
The distressing event occurred when the teenager, who was heading out to catch her school bus, was confronted by a neighbor’s pit bull. The girl’s mother, Jeanette Guerrero, was at work when the attack happened. Thanks to their home security camera, she was able to witness the terrifying scene unfold in real-time.
“I’m at work, and I’m freaking out because I see this dog coming at her, and I’m like, ‘What do I do?’” Guerrero described. “As soon as she walked off, he came running at her. It was frightening.”
In a panic, Guerrero rushed from her workplace, calling both the police and the City of San Antonio’s Animal Care Services for help. The aftermath saw the girl being transported to urgent care, where she received treatment for the bite on her leg, along with antibiotics to prevent infection. “Every time she leaves now in the morning, she’s kind of, like, making sure the dog isn’t there,” Guerrero stated. “So, it’s going to stick with her for a while.”
Impact and Community Response
As a result of the attack, the pit bull is currently in quarantine for at least 10 days. However, Guerrero believes more decisive action is necessary. “He (the dog) comes back Sunday,” she said, expressing her concerns about safety. “It’s not safe, and from what I was told, they called on that dog multiple times.”
The mother revealed that this was the dog’s first attack, yet the owners had received criminal citations in the past. Still, Guerrero remains adamant: “I don’t want him back. I don’t trust him there at all.” Her sentiments resonate with many in the community who are beginning to voice their concerns about dog ownership and safety.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Dog attacks are not isolated incidents in San Antonio, as similar cases have been reported in recent weeks. In fact, Animal Care Services (ACS) pointed out that a significant number of canine bite cases involve owned dogs that are illegally roaming off their property. Responsible pet ownership is critical, and the city mandates certain guidelines under Chapter 5 of the local animal ordinance.
ACS has made efforts to educate the public about dangers associated with aggressive dogs and the laws that govern pet ownership, urging residents to take preventive measures. Their recent statement highlighted the importance of keeping dogs contained and ensuring proper training to minimize risks.
Conclusion
The pit bull attack on Guerrero’s daughter serves as a painful reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. As the community rallies around the family affected by this distressing event, many are beginning to question whether more can be done to protect citizens from similar incidents in the future. With heightened awareness and calls for action, San Antonio is now at a crossroads, where the safety of its residents hangs in the balance, alongside the welfare of pets.
As discussions unfold, it’s evident that creating a safer environment for both people and animals is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of every member of the community. Guerrero’s story might just be the push that San Antonio needs to change how dog ownership is approached, ensuring that no family has to go through such a traumatic experience again.
