San Antonio shares "dangerous dog" map after attacks

• Another victim in a high-profile dog attack survived but underwent 14 surgeries and lost his legs, the Express-News reported.

Driving the news: ACS said it was able to share the registry following a recent opinion from the attorney general's office in response to an open records case, allowing public information on the location of dangerous dogs.

• NEWS 4 SA recently reported that its journalists requested dangerous dog locations under the Texas Public Information Act but were initially denied by the city.
• The news organization later received the records and created its own map.

Catch up fast: Dogs that officials have legally deemed "dangerous" are registered and inspected annually to ensure owners meet state requirements.

• ACS can label a dog "dangerous" by considering sworn witness statements and additional investigations.
• A dog can be labeled "dangerous" if it attacks a person unprovoked and causes injury, or if a dog's unprovoked actions cause a person to reasonably believe the dog will attack and injure them.
• Under state law, dogs can also be labeled as varying levels of "aggressive," a different designation. The database shows only dangerous dogs.
• "Aggressive" dogs are those that injure or kill any domestic animals or livestock or show otherwise aggressive behavior.

Zoom in: If an owner's dog is deemed "dangerous," they must follow a series of state requirements. That includes buying a $100,000 liability insurance policy, posting a warning sign and attending a pet ownership class.

• In addition to being registered, "dangerous" dogs must wear a special identification collar, be kept in a secure enclosure, be muzzled when outside, be microchipped and be spayed or neutered.
• If an owner is unable or unwilling to comply with dangerous dog requirements, the dog will be euthanized, per city code.
• If an unowned dog is deemed "dangerous," officials will test for rabies and euthanize the animal.

What they're saying: "The city of San Antonio's Dangerous Dog Registry allows us to keep our community informed and safe," Shannon Sims, ACS director, said in a statement. "Over the past year, ACS has worked diligently to increase the number of Animal Care Officers to improve the response time to critical calls."

• "Most pet owners take great care of their animals," city manager Erik Walsh wrote in a March memo detailing changes the city took following the February attack. "However, irresponsible pet owners need to be held accountable."

Details: The map allows the public to see addresses where designated dangerous dogs live and how many are there.

• It shows 123 registered dangerous dogs in San Antonio.
• You can filter by neighborhood or City Council district.

Be smart: Residents can report a dangerous dog by calling 311 (210-207-6000) or visiting SA.gov/ACS.

• If a dangerous dog poses an immediate life threat, call 911.

If a dog attacks, you should follow these best practices, per the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants via WBUR:

• Do not grab collars.
• Do not kick or punch the dog — avoid escalation.
• Find more tips online.

What's next: The map will be updated as dangerous dog cases occur, per ACS.