Name: LAW
Victim: Adult, Pet
Location: Apartment Complex Common Areas, Texas
Year of attack: 2021

Tell us about the attack

On 7/10/21 at 7:30pm, my dog & I were attacked by a loose pit bull from another unit. This was the third attack, following previous attacks by two other pits from the same unit. The pit bull reached us in seconds, but I had my stun gun ready in my left hand due to previous loose pit bull attacks on the property. It lunged forward & jumped sideways, trying to evade the stun gun. The pit bull tried to run around my left side to attack us from behind, and when I swung my arm to the left to block it, it ran into the stun gun, yelped, turned & circled back to attack us from the front. After awhile the pit bull ran back to its door, tried to get in, couldn’t, so laid down, facing us, watching. I tried to move but the pit bull charged & attacked again, but couldn’t get past the stun gun. Finally it ran home again and someone let it in.

How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
I could not sleep or eat properly. I was afraid to walk out my door. I went out the door first to make sure no pit bulls were seen before my dog came out. I was hypervigilant. I had to carry my stun gun, dog’s leash and camera while watching for loose pit bulls at all times. If I heard dogs barking, I panicked. If I heard kids screaming, I panicked. I had heart palpitations. I complained and reported loose pit bulls constantly to apartment management and ownership but they did nothing. I reported loose pit bulls to local law enforcement but they did nothing but warn a couple of owners, never issuing citations or reports. I sent certified letters, notice to vacate and intent to sue letters to property management and owners but they did nothing. Finally I moved out and now am seeking legal counsel.

Legal Consequences
The owners of the pit bulls mentioned in this particular account moved out. All other pit bulls and owners still there. In a 20-unit apartment complex that advertised its pet policy as one dog per unit, under 25 pounds, no restricted breeds, there were seven 50-100 pound pit bulls and other large dogs. Apartment owners, property managers and law enforcement officials did absolutely nothing about the attack. Six weeks later the property owner put the apartment complex up for sale.

What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Never trust a leasing agent or apartment representative with what they say about their tenants’ pets. Even if there is a certain pet policy when you move in, they can and will change it at any time or accept any animal as an “Emotional Support Animal” or “Service Dog” to suit their occupancy or personal relationship needs. If you are vulnerable population (elderly, disabled, etc.) or have children, and do not want to risk being attacked by dangerous breed dogs, do not move into an apartment complex that allows dogs, PERIOD.