New Law with Stiffer Penalties for Irresponsible Dog Owners, (Texas)

[Rene Allegrini]

New law holds pet owners liable

By Mary Ann Cavazos
Monday, October 1, 2007


CORPUS CHRISTI — A new state law with stiffer penalties will help local authorities hold irresponsible dog owners more accountable for their pet's actions.

HB 1355, named "Lillian's Law" in memory of Lillian Stiles, was passed during the 80th Legislative Session and went into effect Sept. 1.

Stiles, a 76-year-old grandmother who lived outside Thorndale in Central Texas, was mowing her lawn in November 2005 when she was attacked by six of her neighbor's dogs. The dogs mauled her to death, breaking her neck and severing her jugular vein. A man who stopped to help and try to reach Stiles' body also was attacked but survived.

The neighbor, who often allowed the dogs to run loose, was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in a widely publicized case.

The new law no longer requires it be proven the owner knew their pet was dangerous to be held criminally liable, only that the owner failed to secure the dog when the animal made an unprovoked attack.

The offense also was changed from a misdemeanor to a felony, which means a dog owner whose pet seriously injures someone could be charged with a third-degree felony and face up to 10 years in prison. If the attack is fatal, the pet owner could face a second-degree
felony, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars. If a person is convicted of either charge the court also may order the dog be euthanized, according to state law.

Under the old law if a dog injured someone it was considered a Class C or Class A misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the person's injuries. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in county jail.

District Attorney Carlos Valdez said under the old law it was more difficult to hold dog owners accountable because to help prove the owner knew the animal was dangerous there had to be a record the dog had bitten a person before.

"It's a notice for dog owners that what has gone on in the past is no longer allowed," Valdez said.

Last month, there were about 50 reported dog bite cases in Corpus Christi.

Kelli Copeland, manager of the city's animal control department, said she was hopeful the new law coupled with a push to educate the community on pet-related issues would lessen the number of dog attacks.

Often many dog owners allow their pets to roam free in their neighborhoods, creating the potential for disaster.

"We do need strong laws and we need to make sure dog owners are aware of their responsibilities," said Copeland. "It doesn't matter how sweet your dog is, you have a responsibility to keep your dog confined."

Contact Mary Ann Cavazos at 886-3623 or cavazosm@caller.com


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