Texas dog attack: man killed and mom, toddler hospitalized, authorities say

A man has been killed, and a woman and child injured, in an attack by multiple dogs in Texas.

Three canines, reportedly pit bull mixes, attacked and killed a man in his 60s in Katy, Texas, on Monday, December 15. He reportedly regularly walked the trail, and his family came looking for him when he failed to return.

The man was walking on a trail on Monday, around 10 a.m., when he was set upon by the dogs.

The Context

Sergeant Jason Brown, a homicide investigator with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, said in a press conference that law enforcement responded to witness reports of a dog attack on Monday morning.

Witnesses were able to chase the animals away, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Newsweek has contacted the Katy Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office for comment on this story.

What To Know

Brown said the dogs fled into a nearby neighborhood, where they attacked a mother and her 3-year-old child. Both were transported to hospital but were in good condition.

Brown added that two dogs were taken in by animal control, while one was shot by officers and later euthanized by animal control. However, the Houston Chronicle newspaper reported that officials later said all three animals are alive. Newsweek has contacted Harris County Public Health for comment.

What People Are Saying

Local media KPRC 2 Click2Houston interviewed the mother who was attacked, Blessing Okunwa, who said she saw three “giant” dogs who suddenly attacked her and her child without warning.

“They started jumping on me. I had to put my son behind me so they don’t hurt him,” Okunwa said.

In comments under the Harris County Sheriff’s Office video of the press conference, locals shared their sympathies and prayers to the family of the deceased man, with one offering prayers “for his family and all affected by this tragedy.”

What Happens Next

The dogs’ owners are being interviewed as to how the animals were able to escape from their yard. Law enforcement is “not aware” of any previous bite history, but are investigating.

In response to a press conference question on whether the owners could face charges, Brown said officers are investigating whether there was any negligence on the part of the owners, and how the dogs escaped. It was possible they could face charges, he added, but it was too early to tell.