New law punishes owners of dangerous dogs

McALLEN - A dog bite can land the animal's owner in jail on second degree felony charges because of a new state law.

McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez knows this, but he says many dog owners do not.

"We're fortunate, to some extent, that we haven't had someone badly injured by a dangerous dog, but it's possible, and I think it's just a matter of time, before someone is injured in a way that results in felony charges against the owner," the chief said.

The Texas House of Representatives passed this law, and it went into effect Sept. 1, according to the state's Web site.

Politicians dubbed the action "Lillian's Law" in honor of Lillian Stiles. Stiles, 76, was mauled to death by five loose pit bulls during November 2005 in Thorndale, which is about 70 miles west of College Station.

The law makes owners responsible if their dogs attack and injure others. The owner is specifically liable if the dog is unsecured or attacks a person outside of a secure area. In other words, owners must take all precautions to restrain dogs dubbed dangerous.

In McAllen, one breed of dog causes the majority of bite complaints, officials said.

"Pit bulls, pit bulls and pit bulls," Chief Rodriguez said.

The new law may result in a third degree felony charge against a dog's owner if a bite causes injury. If a bite causes death, the charge may become a second degree felony, which is punishable by between two and 20 years in prison.

A felony conviction also means authorities will destroy the dog, according to the law.

McAllen has so far avoided dangerous dog disasters, but San Juan police have handled two in recent months. In February, a San Juan police officer shot and killed a pit bull he said was putting officers in danger while they were making an arrest. Last week, a San Juan man suffered minor injuries after a pair of loose pit bulls attacked him.

The law comes after Stiles daughter Marilyn Shoemaker created Texas Families Against Dangerous Dogs, an organization to seek legislation to protect people from dangerous dogs.

The law has since passed, and now local law enforcement officials hope people will take note of it.

"Owners now face the possibility of criminal, not only criminal, but felony charges for the responsibility of their dogs," Chief Rodriguez said.

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Zack Quaintance covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.