On a seemingly calm evening in Round Rock, a local woman, Maria Perez, 55, experienced a harrowing dog attack that required over 60 stitches. The incident occurred while she was enjoying her usual evening stroll with her 7-year-old nephew. Without warning, three unleashed mixed-breed dogs bolted from a neighbor’s residence, initially rushing towards the young boy before turning their fury onto Maria.
The terrifying assault lasted for more than six gruesome minutes before neighbors, alerted by the commotion, rushed to Maria’s aid. One neighbor, who tried to divert the dogs’ attention, ended up being bitten on the arm. The horror only ceased when Maria’s husband arrived at the scene, managing to scare away the aggressive dogs with a loud clang from a missed shovel swing.
Following the attack, Maria was hospitalized for days, dealing with both the physical wounds and the emotional trauma induced by the event. The scars, both visible and invisible, have significantly affected her life, hindering her from returning to her job as a cook for a local nursing home due to persistent anxiety attacks and relentless pain.
Round Rock police confirmed the attack was unprovoked, leading to a seizure warrant being issued for the dogs, now quarantined at the Williamson County Animal Shelter. The owner of the dogs was issued three citations for violations of restraint of animals, a Class C misdemeanor carrying a penalty of up to $500 fine and up to 180 days on probation for each count.
The incident has not only shaken Maria and her family but has also raised concerns within the Round Rock community about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of animal control ordinances. A municipal court hearing regarding the seizure of the dogs is set for Oct. 30, with another hearing for the citations at the beginning of November.
This unfortunate incident sheds light on the imperative need for victims of dog attacks to seek legal representation to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding animal attacks and to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve for the physical and emotional distress endured.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog attack, it’s essential to act promptly. Our seasoned dog bite personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights of dog bite victims. Contact our law office today or call us at (512) 246-9191 to discuss your case and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
