Dallas Animal Services Focuses on Neighborhood of Fatal Attack

Dallas Animal Services is targeting the neighborhood where a woman suffered a fatal dog attack last week.

Animal Control officers are issuing citations and working to catch loose dogs.

It's not easy work. Resident Edward Lockett watched a large group of officers try unsuccessfully to capture a dog he'd seen loose in the neighborhood many times before.

"I think they're doing the right thing," he said. "Contain the dog."

But some neighbors complain about suddenly receiving citations for animal code violations that went unenforced in the past.

Managers said they shifted a new program of education and enforcement announced last month that was to start elsewhere, to focus first on the neighborhood near Fair Park where the fatal attack occurred instead.

"Since last week we have concentrated four units in this area doing patrols, talking to neighbors. We've got traps set trying to catch loose dogs in this area," Dallas Code Compliance Director Kris Sweckard said.

Antoinette Brown was attacked last week by a pack of dogs in the 3300 block of Rutledge Street. Relatives said she suffered more than 100 dog bites. The 52-year-old woman died of her injuries days later.

"Why should a person die? That's something unreal," said Lockett

City officials said seven dogs believed to be connected to the fatal attack have been surrendered by an owner whom Dallas Animal Services had cited many times in the past. But Dallas police did not notify Animal Services about the May 2 attack until three days later.

"There is definitely an opportunity to improve there and we will definitely be working on that at the city," said Dallas Public Information Manager Sana Syed.

Neighbor Eddie Robinson said he has been bitten before. He said he supports the Animal Services effort to combat dogs running loose.

"I can't put all the blame on the city," he said. "The owner should take responsibility because the dog belongs to them."

Animal Services Director Jody Jones said dog owners should beware.

"This is a very serious matter. We're taking it very seriously, and if you're not keeping your pets indoors, you will be receiving citations," Jones said.

Officials urged neighbors to report loose dogs by calling 3-1-1 in Dallas. They said other Animal Services officers are on duty to answer calls in the rest of the city as the extra enforcement effort continues in the neighborhood near Fair Park.