San Antonio – Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed legislation Saturday that would have increased criminal penalties for owners of dangerous dogs.
Ramon Najera
In the year
Najera’s wife and two others were injured in the attack.
The owners of the dogs, Christian Moreno and Abilene Schneider, were arrested and charged with a fatal dog attack that left an elderly man dead and injured.
A memo from San Antonio City Manager Eric Walsh shows that in the past two years, there have been 114 calls to police and 42 calls to 311 about the dog’s home.
The attack prompted a new law
After the tragic event, state legislators from San Antonio joined to create. House Bill 4759also known as the Ramon Najera Law.
The authors were Texas Reps. Elizabeth Campos and Diego Bernal and State Sen. Jose Menendez. They also introduced two other bills related to dangerous dogs.
HB 4759 would increase the criminal consequences for owners if their dangerous dog acts out, making it a Class-C misdemeanor for a first offense and a third-degree felony for repeat violations.
The bill would make it easier for animal welfare services to remove dangerous dogs.
As Senator Menendez previously explained, “Especially if you can see or identify the attacker or the attacker — the vicious, dangerous dog — you can remove the dog at that location. They don’t need to wait for the oath.”
The “dangerous dog” tag is an official designation that requires mandatory insurance, special enclosures, public stamping and signage.
However, that designation can only be made after an ACS investigation. Many victims do not initiate an investigation for fear of retaliation from their owners.
HB 4759 would have allowed people to remain anonymous.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who previously commented on the issue, said neighbors on DePla Street did not file affidavits because they feared retaliation. He also said that one person has already been arrested to take revenge in this case.
The governor vetoes the bill
Abbott vetoed the bill on Saturday, posting the following Proclamation Explaining the reason:
“Texas’ existing criminal laws criminalize attacks by dangerous dogs – so a felony arrest has been made against the dog owners responsible for the brutal attack in San Antonio that claimed the life of a distinguished Air Force veteran. House Bill 4759 The justice system should be allowed to deal with excessive criminality found in this bill. I look forward to working with the author to create investigations and procedures that stop dog attacks before they happen.
ACS’s response to the veto
Animal Care Services, which supports the bill, released a statement Monday:
“The Governor’s vote on HB 4579 is very disappointing, but residents must be held accountable for their dogs’ aggressive and aggressive behavior. Animal Care Services will continue to work with our leaders, legislators, courts and communities. We ask that everyone who owns a pet be aware of the animal laws in your community. Learn them. Follow them.
“Ignorance is no excuse for accountability and for too long this willful neglect has reduced the quality of life and safety in San Antonio’s neighborhoods. As ACS prepares for the next budget, the department and the City Manager’s Office will continue to invest in programs and personnel that balance public safety and placement.
ACS officials have presented a comprehensive plan to the San Antonio City Council, calling for increased manpower, including dangerous dog detectors. They await the city’s budget statement in September to see if their request will be met.
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