Texas Accident & Injury News
Memorial Day cookout? Learn how to keep pets and guests safe.
Loose Dog Bites Senior Man, Owner Cited on the East Side
According to a KSAT News report, an owner was cited after their loose dog bit a senior man in an East Side neighborhood.
ACS reported the incident happened at around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20th, in a neighborhood in the 700 block of Delmar Street near South Mittman Street. A 64-year-old man was walking when he was bitten in the leg by a loose German shepherd. The injury was mild, and the man was treated at the scene. ACS investigated and found that a good Samaritan was feeding the dog, which belonged to a neighbor on the next street.
The owner told ACS the dog was missing. They were cited for allowing an animal to roam free of restraint, failing to provide proof of current rabies vaccination, and failing to prevent a bite.
Did You Know?
Animal bite cases are up 11% this year in San Antonio.
Hosting a Memorial Day Cookout? Keep Your Guests—and Your Dog—Safe
In San Antonio, dogs are more than pets—they’re family. It’s only natural to include them in your Memorial Day festivities. But a party atmosphere can be stressful (and even dangerous) for your pup—and risky for your guests if things go wrong.
If your dog escapes or bites someone at your home, you could be held legally responsible. The good news? A little planning goes a long way. These simple tips will help keep your cookout safe and fun for everyone—two- and four-legged alike.
Pet Safety Tips for Holiday Cookouts
Cookouts can be overwhelming for pets. Add unfamiliar guests, kids, and hot grills—and the risks multiply fast. Here’s how to reduce the chances of an accident:
1. Stick to Your Dog’s Routine
Try to keep their normal walk, feeding, and rest schedule. Familiar routines reduce stress and help your pup stay calm during the party.
2. Get Their Energy Out Early
Before guests arrive, take your dog on a long walk or spend time playing fetch. A tired dog is usually a better-behaved dog.
3. Use a Collar or Harness with ID
Keep your dog’s collar or harness on during the party with up-to-date contact info. If they get loose, this helps them get home safely.
4. Keep Dogs Away from the Grill
Hot grills and curious noses don’t mix. To prevent injuries or fire hazards, keep your dog indoors or far from the grill area.
5. No Toy Snatching!
Children should never try to take toys from a dog. Unless the dog brings the toy to them, teach kids to leave it alone—it’s one of the most common ways bites happen.
Bonus Tip: If you know your dog gets overwhelmed or territorial with guests, it’s perfectly okay to keep them in a separate room during the event.
Am I Responsible if My Dog Bites a Guest at My Home?
Yes—in many cases, Texas dog owners can be held legally liable if their dog bites someone.
You may be responsible if:
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You knew or should have known your dog had aggressive tendencies.
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You failed to take reasonable precautions (like securing your pet) to prevent the bite.
Texas “One Bite Rule”
Texas law follows the “one bite rule,” which may protect first-time offenders if the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggression. But this doesn’t guarantee protection—especially if negligence is involved.
Comparative Fault Rule
If the victim provoked the dog, their compensation may be reduced. Under Texas law, if a victim is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from receiving compensation.
Not Liable for Trespassers
Property owners are generally not responsible for injuries to trespassers—human or canine.
Injured in a Dog Attack? Call Shaw!
If you or your child was bitten by an aggressive dog anywhere in San Antonio, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Missed Work,
- Disfigurement,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free!
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced dog bite lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees or obligations attached—just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.