Animal Care Services and Police Department investigating dog attack

Published on February 24, 2023

NOTE: Information released is based on preliminary investigation

SAN ANTONIO (February 24, 2023) — San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) and the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) are investigating a dog attack that killed an 81-year-old victim and injured three others this afternoon. The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. in the 28 hundred block of Depla street off Highway 90 and Cupples road.

About the incident

Preliminary information indicates the victim and a female companion were visiting a relative’s home when at least two American Staffordshire Terriers attacked them as they stepped out of their vehicle, resulting in multiple injuries to both. Witnesses indicate the dogs had broken through the front gate of their nearby home just before the incident. The couple’s relative also sustained a bite during the attack as did a SAFD captain. All four victims were transported to the hospital where the older male victim succumbed to his injuries. The other victims remain under medical care.

Animal Care Services has identified three owned dogs either directly involved in the attack or who were off property at the time. All three dogs are in SAACS custody and will be euthanized tonight.

Calls for service

On November 6, 2022, The San Antonio Police Department responded to a dog related call relating to this property. An officer responded on the scene and spoke to the owner of the dogs. The officer told the owner that the dogs must be kept in the yard.

At least two of the dogs have been involved in a pair of confirmed bite cases in the past including one in January of this year and another in September of 2021. The injuries were moderate or mild and the dogs successfully completed the State required quarantine before their owners reclaimed them. Individuals involved declined to file a dangerous dog designation. A dangerous dog designation requires owners to keep the dogs in a secure enclosure, purchase a $100,000 liability insurance policy, special warning signage, be muzzled when outside, be spay/neutered and be subject to annual inspections. 

Multiple charges are pending in connection to today’s incident and Animal Care Services is working with SAPD on the investigation. 

The City of San Antonio is reviewing any related 911 and 311 call history associated with this area. 

Resources for residents

The City of San Antonio’s SA CORE team (a City team made up of a mental health clinician, EMS and SAPD) has been deployed to the neighborhood to provide counseling and support to area neighbors.

To report a dangerous animal, please call 311 (210-207-6000). If the animal poses an immediate threat to life, please call 911.