Owner may face charges after weekend dog attack

TEXAS -- Lubbock Animal Services has located the owner of the two pit bull terrier mixes that attacked a man and woman last weekend.

The man, who lives in Lubbock, told officers that the dogs dug under his fence while he was out of town for the weekend.

George Torres, director of Lubbock Animal Services, said the man may face multiple citations, such as failure to vaccinate, no license with the City of Lubbock, failure to restrain an animal at large, or even dangerous animal charges.

Lubbock police officers had to shoot the dogs on the scene. The dogs were sent off for testing. Torres said they should have the results by Tuesday, which will reveal if the dogs were current on their vaccinations.

In the meantime, officers are waiting for the man to gather veterinary records and other information that will help them with the investigation.

One of the victims, 41-year-old Blanca Factor, has at least ten wounds that required stitches from the attack and will have to receive even more rabies vaccinations.

The City of Lubbock Animal Advisory Committee has some advice on how to act if you are confronted by an aggressive dog.

Jane Brewer, chairwoman of the committee, said the key is for the person to remain calm.

"Be non-threatening to the dog," she said. "Turn sideways...if you're standing straight on the dog that's very threatening to the dog. Avoid eye contact, so avert your eyes. If you have access, get a barrier between you and the dog that's coming at you."

(KCBD - Oct 21, 2014)