San Antonio is experiencing a notable rise in dangerous dog cases, according to recent data from the San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS). Jon Gary, the director of ACS, highlighted this trend during a public safety committee meeting with city council members.
Increased Reporting and Staffing
Gary explained that from 2024 to the present, there has been a steady increase in the number of dangerous dog cases. This rise is attributed not only to actual attacks but also to more public interactions and reports made to ACS. The agency has enhanced its staffing, which has improved its ability to respond to incidents and collect affidavits from the public.
With more funding, ACS has been able to double the number of officers responding to calls and conducting investigations to determine if a dog is dangerous or aggressive. In 2024, over 100 dogs were labeled as dangerous, and 69 as aggressive. By 2025, these numbers had increased to 283 dangerous dogs and 103 aggressive dogs.
Public Awareness and Education
Gary emphasized the importance of public education in addressing the issue. The agency has been proactive in informing the public about their options when dealing with dog attacks. This includes understanding the consequences for dog owners whose pets are deemed dangerous, such as citations and insurance requirements.
ACS has also developed a dangerous dog registry and a public map that shows where dangerous dogs have been reported in San Antonio, providing details on their level of aggression.
Proactive Measures and Community Responsibility
To reduce the number of dangerous dog cases, ACS is focusing on proactive measures, such as the Pet Care Connect program. This initiative targets neighborhoods with high instances of free-roaming dogs, aiming to prevent incidents before they occur.
Gary stressed that dog owners must take responsibility to ensure their pets do not roam freely. The agency continues to work on expanding programs and educating the community to bring down the numbers of dangerous dog incidents.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
