Security footage exposes a brutal, unprovoked dog attack that left a woman hospitalized in San Antonio, prompting legal action against the owner.
SAN ANTONIO — Security footage released this week captures the brutal and unprovoked nature of a vicious dog attack on the west side. A woman was hospitalized after being attacked by three dogs while walking in her neighborhood, authorities said.
The incident occurred April 23 around 8:30 a.m. in the 10000 block of Prescott Drive, not far from Marbach Road. According to Animal Care Services (ACS), the woman was walking when three dogs, identified as American Staffordshire Terriers, emerged from a yard and attacked her, knocking her down and biting her upper body.
The woman fought the dogs for several minute, as cars began to stop and drivers honked their horns in an attempt to scare the animals away.
Neighbor Pete Ramos Jr., a Vietnam veteran, was driving by when he noticed the commotion. “There were like 10 cars ahead of me,” Ramos said. “I could hear people yelling, screaming and throwing bottles and cans, and I thought the neighbors were fighting.”
Upon realizing the severity of the situation, Ramos stopped his truck and intervened. “I just knew I needed to help her because that lady was fighting for her life,” Ramos said. “She was throwing around, kicking and punching, but those dogs wouldn't let go.”
“I didn't think. I just stopped my truck, left it running, grabbed my stick,” he said. “I hit that dog between the nose and forehead.”
Despite his own health challenges, including a recent cancer diagnosis linked to Agent Orange exposure, Ramos did not hesitate to help. “I have three daughters and a son,” he said. “If that was happening to my daughter, I sure wish somebody would come to their help.”
Ramos helped the woman to safety. “She was covered in blood from her head to her toe,” he recalled. “Arms were the worst. They were just shooting out blood.”
The woman was transported to a nearby hospital, where she underwent multiple surgeries.
Christopher Garza, an attorney with the Gowan Law Group representing the victim, said the woman sustained “a ton of lacerations,” particularly to her upper body, left arm, and left wrist. He added that there may also be a fracture, and she has undergone multiple surgeries with more likely in the future.
“These aggressive dogs are making neighborhoods super dangerous,” Garza said. “It’s not even safe to walk down the street anymore. We are doing everything we possibly can to make sure we hold the pet owner and the homeowners accountable.”
ACS investigators issued 10 criminal citations to the dogs' owner, including three counts of failing to prevent a bite, three counts of animals roaming off the property, and four counts of failing to show proof of valid rabies vaccinations and microchips for the dogs. One of the dogs had been previously quarantined and legally reclaimed after a bite incident in March.
The owner has since surrendered the dogs to ACS, and they have been euthanized. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
This attack is part of a disturbing trend in San Antonio, where several severe dog maulings have occurred over the past two years, some resulting in fatalities. The incidents have raised concerns about public safety and the enforcement of animal control laws in the city. Authorities urge residents to report any aggressive or loose dogs to Animal Care Services at 311.
As the woman continues her recovery, Ramos expressed humility about his role in stopping the attack.
“God put me at the right place at the right time,” he said.
