In Houston, Texas, a woman is hospitalized and authorities have apprehended four dogs and six puppies following a brutal attack that left her injured.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. last Friday outside a park located in the 5900 block of Collingsworth, according to the Houston Police Department.
BARC, the city’s animal shelter, responded to the scene and eventually seized the four dogs involved in the attack. They also took custody of six puppies, which were believed to belong to one of the canines, based on a witness’s identification.
The victim was transported to Ben Taub Hospital, where she remains intubated and has not yet been able to communicate with officials, as per police reports.
Jarrad Mears, director of BARC, described the incident as indicative of a citywide problem, noting a rise in abandoned dogs across Houston since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the past two years, BARC has received approximately 12,000 calls for service, signaling an exacerbation of the stray animal issue.
Despite the city council’s approval of funding for the hiring of four additional animal control officers, Mears emphasized that the current manpower remains insufficient to address all calls effectively.
journalists, while covering the story, observed at least three stray dogs near the park where the attack occurred.
statistics reveal a significant increase in animals picked up from the streets, rising from 5,936 in 2021 to 10,931 in 2023.
Mears highlighted District B, District H, and District I as hot spots for stray animal incidents, urging residents to remain vigilant while outdoors with their families.
BARC officials advise the public to report sightings of stray animals by calling 311.
