Three Year Prison Sentence for Man Whose Dogs Attacked a 5-Year-Old Boy
Aug 13, 2019
Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC
Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) August 13, 2019 – In 2017 three dogs attacked a 5-year-old boy in Manor, Texas. Although surgeons did save his damaged arm, he must have continuous medical care.
It started as a relatively normal day until three dogs dragged the 5-year-old victim down the street before the mother could interrupt the attack. The boy was taken to the hospital to attend to his arm. As of 2019, despite saving the arm, the now 7-year-old requires continued medical care.
At trial, the Travis County Judge, sentenced the dog’s owner, a 45-year-old man from Del Valle, to three years in jail for negligently failing to secure his dogs before an attack. According to Travis County Animal Protection, the three canines had a history of aggressive behavior that was escalating. The three dogs were euthanized.
The lead prosecutor for the state, Jessica Wolfe, said that: “Part of being a responsible dog owner is knowing the risks, if any, your dog poses to the community and taking measures to prevent your dog from harming others. The defendant’s disregard of his dogs’ escalating behavior led to this preventable situation.”
Studies show dog attacks are a major issue not just in Texas but across the country. A Centers’ for Disease Control (CDC) study found there are approximately 4.5 million dog bite victims yearly in the United States. Furthermore, a National Institute of Health (NIH) study found that over 750,000 people in the United States were bitten so severely each year to require medical care. Another U.S. governmental study found that more than 300,000 Americans a year headed to an emergency room after being bitten by a dog.
“Have you been injured in a dog attack or sustained injuries as a result of another type of animal attack? You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and losses,” said Austin dog bite attorney, Brooks Schuelke, not involved in this case. Compensation can be sought for costs of medical care, lost earnings, and pain and mental anguish. Animal attacks of any kind are terrifying, and the pain and mental anguish should not be underestimated. “Talk to me and find out what your legal rights are if a dog has bitten you or a loved one,” added Schuelke.
Schuelke Law PLLC
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