Man says golden retriever attacked by another dog at T.C. Jester Dog Park

HOUSTON — A Houston man is thankful his golden retriever is OK after he says it was attacked by another dog at a popular dog park run by the City of Houston.

Andrew Schaffer said he and his dog Buzz were at the T.C. Jester Dog Park in northwest Houston on Sunday afternoon when it happened. 

Schaffer said Buzz is a friendly dog that gets along with everyone. 

“He’s the sweetest thing ever, he’s friends with everybody,” Schaffer told us. “A horrible guard dog 'cause he likes everyone.”

Shaffer said they were enjoying the dog park until playtime quickly turned to panic because of an aggressive dog and its owner.

“I was extra vigilant. She let him off the leash, within 30 seconds the dog was on top of Buzz. His mouth was over his face, Buzz was crying,” Schaffer said. “He was biting him and wouldn’t let go.”

Schaffer and Buzz weren't badly hurt but he said this could have been avoidable if the owner had been more aware. 

“Even if your dog isn’t aggressive, you should still pay attention and stay close to them,” Shaffer said.

He advises other dog owners to stay aware to protect their pets and themselves.

“If it's you against a dog, and you just have your bare hands, it's not going to end well,” Shaffer said.

Dogs are allowed off the leash at T.C. Jester and other dog parks run by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. However, the City of Houston has dog park rules that ban dogs with a known history of aggressive behavior toward people or pets. It requires owners to be in control of their dogs and prevent aggressive behavior.

The city also says that owners are legally and financially responsible for their dog’s behavior. The City of Houston has no liability or responsibility for injuries in the dog park.

We also contacted BARC and they said owners are liable for damage or injury inflicted by their dogs but because dogs are considered property under state law, it would be a civil matter.

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