San Antonio’s Animal Care Services Department reported 2,646 severe dog bites in 2016. Of those bites, 31 were reported in zip code 78224, which includes the Texas A&M University-San Antonio campus. There has been one reported serious dog bite on campus.
On campus and surrounding areas stray dogs can be seen scavenging through trash on the side of the road and roaming the streets. While most students are unaffected while on campus, some say they are concerned about stray dogs and the potential risk they pose.
“San Antonio does have a growing animal problem,” said Lisa Norwood, public relations outreach manager for the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services Department.
Just this past year there have been a report of 2,646 severe dog bites. Of those bites, 31 were reported in zip code 78224, which includes the Texas A&M University-San Antonio campus.
Multiple students have reported seeing dogs roaming around the streets leading up to the new and developing campus on the rural South Side of the city. Steven Renee Hernandez, a Texas A&M San Antonio sociology major, said that he is “scared that there are actual dogs that are biting people around here.”
Stray dogs can be a very dangerous issue. Not only can it be an annoying issue for homeowners, but they can also “cause fights, be hit by cars, and cause traffic accidents,” Norwood said.
Many factors contribute to San Antonio’s stray dog problem.
“Irresponsible pet owners play a huge role in how many dogs are seen on the street,” Norwood said. It is ultimately up to the owners to keep track of their dogs, sterilize, and vaccinate them. San Antonio law states you need to have your pets vaccinated and if not vaccinated you could be fined over $300.
The reason for the high volume of stray dogs is because dogs are not being sterilized, as a result the amount of dogs are multiplying. It is important to keep them vaccinated and spayed or neutered. In the case that a dog does bite someone, it is important to make sure that they don’t contract rabies. When a dog bites someone and is picked up, the specimens are sent to a state lab to be tested for rabies.
Several students have expressed concern over rabies and other infections.
Biology major Fidencio Ramon said that he is “scared of rabies and of getting hurt.”
Likewise, sociology major Joshua Villafianca said that he is not only concerned about rabies but also “other infections as well.”
There are many options for pet owners.
“A quarter of a million dollars has been spent on providing free vaccinations this year,” Norwood said. There are free clinics scattered around San Antonio in which pet owners can take their dogs for vaccinations and/or sterilization.
When a dog first enters the office after being picked up or brought in, they are sent to the clinic for an examination. If they lack vaccinations they are administered to them there at the clinic. Animal Care Services then holds the dog for three days during this time “owners can claim their pet,” said Norwood. After three days the dog becomes property of the city of San Antonio. This is when they start looking for a shelter, rescue group or even foster care.
If students happen to come in contact with a stray dog and feel in immediate danger, call 911. If you would like to report a stray dog that might be a problem in the future call 311 and make a stray dog report.
“People being educated, responsible and the community partnering with ACS,” Norwood said are the best ways to alleviate the stray dog problem.
For more information about reporting stray dogs visit: http://www.sanantonio.gov/Animal-Care/Home
