As most families are going shopping for Christmas gifts, and planning for holiday events, one man and his loved ones hope that he does not have to endure an amputation of his leg. The 59-year-old man was attacked on Wednesday by two pit bulls. He was rushed to Ben Taub General Hospital, and later listed in stable condition. Animal control authorities took the dogs into custody.
Last month, a 91-year-old man was attacked by a pit bull when he was sitting in the passenger seat of a car. It is anticipated that he will recover from the bites.
Many of us love and own dogs. They can be cherished members of a family, and provide companionship.
Yet some dogs and breeds in particular also pose risks for people in our neighborhoods. The city and state have enacted laws requiring owners to maintain control over their animals. But, still, these attacks continue with alarming regularity.
It is time for officials and juries to hold irresponsible dog owners fully accountable for the injuries they cause and their threat to community health. This involves the criminal justice system: violators must be prosecuted before their animals inflict injuries. In addition, the civil justice system should fully compensate victims, and, when appropriate, impose punitive damages upon dog owners if their gross negligence allows dog attacks.
Let’s enjoy our pets, but let’s do so safely.
If you or someone you know have suffered from an attack from an unrestrained animal, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.