San Antonio Girl Attacked by Neighbor’s Pit Bull: A Mother’s Call for Action
In the heart of San Antonio, a troubling incident has left a local family shaken and concerned for their community’s safety. A 16-year-old girl was attacked in her own driveway by a neighbor’s pit bull, igniting a debate about pet ownership and responsibility.
Jeanette Guerrero, the girl’s mother, was at work when the distressing event took place. Using a security camera, she witnessed the whole ordeal unfold live, which only escalated her anxiety. “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 recounted, her voice tinged with fear. “As soon as she walked off, he came running at her. It was frightening.”
The situation escalated quickly. After the attack, Guerrero rushed home, called the police, and notified the City of San Antonio’s Animal Care Services. When law enforcement arrived, they checked with the dog’s owner about the animal’s vaccination status, but the owners were uncertain about whether the pit bull had received its shots. This left the Guerrero family more concerned than ever.
After the incident, Guerrero took her daughter to an urgent care clinic, where doctors prescribed antibiotics for the bite. “Every time she leaves (the house) now in the morning, she’s kind of, like, making sure the dog isn’t there,” Guerrero explained. “So, it’s going to stick with her for a while.” It’s evident that the emotional scars from the attack will last much longer than the physical ones.
What Happens Next?
According to Animal Care Services (ACS), the pit bull has been placed in quarantine for at least 10 days following the bite investigation. However, Guerrero is unconvinced that this is sufficient precaution. “He (the dog) comes back Sunday,” she said, expressing her frustration and fear for her daughter’s safety. “It’s not safe, and from what I was told, they called on that dog multiple times.”
The pit bull’s owners have received criminal citations for the incident, which Guerrero describes as a significant issue considering it was the first attack for the dog. “I don’t want him back,” Guerrero stated firmly. “I don’t trust him there at all.” It’s clear that this incident has caused a ripple of fear, not just within her family, but in the wider community as well.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Sadly, dog attacks are becoming an all-too-common issue in San Antonio. According to recent reports, a large portion of annual dog bites involve owned animals that are roaming off their property illegally. In response, ACS emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, which is mandated under the City of San Antonio’s Chapter 5 animal ordinance. They are raising awareness regarding dangerous and aggressive dog laws to help educate pet owners and the community. Resources are available to understand more about these ordinances.
As Guerrero continues to advocate for better safety measures, she hopes her story will spark a larger conversation around dog ownership responsibility and public safety. It’s vital for dog owners to be aware that their pets can pose dangers if not managed properly, and for families to feel secure within their own neighborhoods.
In the end, while the law may govern the actions taken following such dog attacks, community awareness and open conversations about pet safety can undoubtedly create a safer environment for everyone. Guerrero’s plea serves as a reminder that when it comes to safety, we all have a part to play.
