SAN ANTONIO – In a follow-up to a significant story, Animal Care Services confirmed today that they issued six citations to the owner of three dogs that got loose while a K-9 officer was outside.
Two of the dogs attacked the K-9 and his off-duty handler, prompting the off-duty officer to draw his weapon and shoot at the dogs to stop the attack.
This incident has now led to an investigation by local authorities, raising questions about responsibility for the deaths of the animals involved.
Witness Amanda Harris recounted the moments leading up to the shooting.
“I heard him yelling the dog's name. And then I just heard the shots,” she said.
The owners of the dogs, Roderick and Amanda Harris, spoke with News 4 over the weekend.
They explained that they were renting their home and had let their dogs outside when the incident occurred.
Roderick Harris emphasized, “My dogs are house dogs. My dogs are not fighting dogs.”
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) confirmed that both police and Animal Care Services (ACS) are investigating the case.
ACS reported that while the dog owners had no prior citations, they received citations after the incident for “dogs roaming off property,” “a dog damaging private property,” and “failure to prevent an owned dog from biting another animal.”
Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Local attorney Paul Campolo provided insight into the legal implications of the situation, particularly since an off-duty officer was involved.
“He's trying to protect his dog from being attacked by other dogs, and I think you have a right to do that,” Campolo said.
He noted that under Texas law, dogs are considered property, and homeowners have the right to defend their property.
However, Campolo added that homeowners are also required by municipal ordinances to keep their dogs confined within their yard.
SAPD's shooting team and internal affairs unit will also be investigating the incident, and the off-duty officer involved has been placed on administrative duty, as per protocol.
