Texas Woman Mauled to Death by Six Dogs

[Muscletang]

THORNDALE, Texas - A pack of six dogs mauled a 76-year-old woman to death as she worked in her yard, authorities said.

Lillian Loraine Stiles was riding on a lawn mower in her front yard Saturday when she was confronted by the dogs, described as pit bull-rottweiler mixed breeds, said Milam County Sheriff Charlie West.

Investigators think Stiles was attacked when she got off the mower and headed into her house.

Stiles had severe bites over her entire body, and a man who tried to help her was bitten on one leg, authorities said.

The dogs were found at the home of Stiles' neighbor, Jose Hernandez.

The sheriff's department will send the findings of its investigation to the Milam County District Attorney's Office, which will decide if any criminal charges will be filed against Hernandez.

Thorndale is located about 70 miles west of College Station.

Here's the part that really gets me...

"The sheriff's department will send the findings of its investigation to the Milam County District Attorney's Office, which will decide IF any criminal charges will be filed against Hernandez."

What do you mean by "IF"? I think this Hernandez guy should be made an example and get hit with the full hammer of the law.

What do you guys think about this?

[03cavPA]

Wow, that sucks. I'd have trouble fighting off six dogs at once. If I made it, I'd be pretty torn up; lots of stitches. That poor woman never had a chance.

The neighbor needs to face charges for negligence at least.

It probably won't matter, cause her family will have a field day in civil court with the dog owner. It doesn't matter if he can't pay; he'll owe them out of whatever he earns for the rest of his life.

I'm not a lawyer, so I could be wrong about civil penalties.

[carrrnuttt]

My dad was a hobbyist dog-breeder.

Anyone who intentionally breeds a Rottweiler with a Pit Bull KNOWS that he/she is building a deadly weapon.

I can amost guarantee that those dogs are for dogfights.

Either way, I am of the personal belief that certain breeds/hybrids need to be registered. This is coming from an owner of a German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix (not intentional).

[twospirits]

The guy should be charged period. No owner should let their animals loose like that. Especially big dogs like that.

TS out

[KustmAce]

Blame the owner, not the dogs. Too bad they will all most likely be put to death.

[YogsVR4]

Executions all around.

[Muscletang]

I don't think this thread is too old so I thought I'd post this up.

Mauling Death Sets Off Review of Dog Laws

In short...

A Virginia lawmaker is proposing tough legislation to punish dog owners whose pets injure or kill, following a fatal attack on an elderly widow by three roaming pit bulls.

Houck's bill would add a provision to state law to make fatal dog attacks a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

The measure also would allow law enforcement officials to petition a court to declare a dog dangerous. Currently, only animal control officers have such authority. Owners of dogs declared dangerous would be required to maintain a $300,000 insurance policy, up from the $100,000 required now.

I think this is a step in the right direction.

[YogsVR4]

Its about time that kind of legislation is made. People need to be held responsible for themselves and their possesions.

[fredjacksonsan]

The owner of the pit bulls in the Virginia attack was convicted of involuntary manslaughter yesterday:

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/stor...74&p=y669y958x

The jury recommended 3 years (for just the manslaughter), and formal sentencing will occur sometime in February for all charges.

Punishment for an irresponsible pet owner.