Updated information regarding dog attack on Hamilton Avenue

Early Sunday morning, four mixed breed dogs (two Pitbull Terrier mixes, one Queensland Heeler mix, and one Boxer mix) attacked a woman as she walked in her neighborhood on the 4300 block of Hamilton Avenue. The Dallas Police Department (DPD) responded to the scene immediately and Dallas Animal Services (DAS) was on the scene within 20 minutes. All four animals were taken into custody by DAS on Sunday. Today, April 16, the dogs were surrendered to DAS, subsequently euthanized, and will be sent for rabies testing.

A total of 16 tickets have been issued to the owner of all four dogs for violations associated with loose dogs, no rabies vaccine, no microchip and not spayed/neutered. The investigation is ongoing and the determination as to whether to pursue Serious Bodily Injury charges is currently being reviewed.

On October 25, 2017, a loose dog was picked up at the same location of Sunday morning’s incident; however, no records connect this dog with the above owner.

Since the tragic passing of Antionette Brown in May of 2016, DAS has increased pick up of loose dogs by 207%, added 13 animal control officers, and now has a coordinated response plan with DPD to address all dog bites. Additionally, DAS has increased the number of dangerous dog designations from 20 to 62, filed charges of Serious Bodily Injury 12 times under new leadership’s tenure, conducted a warrant roundup in conjunction with the Dallas Marshal’s office to crack down on habitual violators, and is currently working with a Dangerous Dog Task force to strengthen the City’s laws.

Dallas’ loose dog bites have decreased by 24% since 2016. However, as with Sunday’s incident, dog bites from owned animals continues to be an issue. Residents can provide input by attending a meeting with the Dangerous Dog Task Force to help strengthen the laws and punishments for those who allow their dogs to be loose and are involved with bites.

Meeting info:

April 24 or May 1 at 3:30 p.m.

Dallas City Hall
1500 Marilla St.
L1FN Auditorium
Dallas, TX 75201