The number of reported dog bite incidents in various cities in Texas is at a record high. For this reason, city leaders have proposed the implementation of tougher policies to help curb the problem, which has, unfortunately, spiraled out of control.
Rising number of severe dog bite incidents in Texas cities sparking policy changes
Cases of severe dog bites in Texas have skyrocketed since the Coronavirus pandemic, as reported by News 4 San Antonio . In Austin, for instance, the number of deadly dog bite incidents in 2020 stood at 53%. As of 2023, this figure had shot up to almost 150%.
In 2020, San Antonio recorded a 126% increase in the number of severe dog bites that year. In 2023, this number reached a staggering 289%.
Evidently, these figures highlight the impact of aggressive dogs on the safety of Texas residents. In response, city officials in Austin have proposed a new policy that will prohibit the adoption of shelter dogs with aggressive tendencies .
“We have evidence that animals that had a serious bite history when they came into the animal shelter, would then be released and bite somebody else after,” Austin’s District 4 Councilman, Jose “Chito” Vela, stated.