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Pharr Faces Lawsuit for Ignoring Warnings Before Fatal Dog Attack

Pharr Faces Lawsuit for Ignoring Warnings Before Fatal Dog Attack

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A federal lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, McAllen Division, alleging that the City of Pharr’s failure to act on repeated warnings about dangerous dogs led to a fatal attack on a 91-year-old woman. The case, filed on January 3, 2025, accuses the city of deliberate indifference and gross negligence in handling escalating threats posed by the animals, culminating in the woman’s death in May 2023.

A Foreseeable and Preventable Tragedy

According to the legal filing, the woman lived at a property where her son kept multiple dogs known to be dangerous, including four identified as Ringo, Billy, Casper, and Bonita. The lawsuit states that neighbors, family members, and concerned parties had repeatedly contacted Pharr Animal Control and the city’s public works division to warn of the animals’ aggressive behavior.

The city had issued Vicious Dog Declarations for the animals in January 2022, requiring their confinement in kennels, the use of muzzles, and proof of liability insurance. Despite these measures, the filing alleges, the city failed to ensure compliance, allowing the dogs to roam freely and creating an ongoing danger to the community and the elderly woman.

The filing includes official documents and photos demonstrating the city’s knowledge of the dogs’ aggression. For instance, Ringo had been involved in prior attacks on humans and other animals, prompting a Notice of Impoundment for Destruction just days before the fatal incident. However, no action was taken to remove the dogs from the property.

The Day of the Attack

On January 10, 2023, the woman was attacked by the four dogs inside her home. The filing describes a harrowing and violent scene in which the dogs mauled her arms and legs. Photos submitted as evidence show blood covering the floors of the residence and wounds so severe that her legs had to be amputated to prevent further infection. Her arms, described as “chewed to the bone,” underwent extensive skin grafts but failed to heal adequately.

The woman remained in critical condition for months following the attack, undergoing multiple surgeries and suffering from severe pain. Despite extensive medical intervention, she died from her injuries on May 6, 2023.

Evidence of Negligence and Inaction

The lawsuit details a pattern of negligence by the city, asserting that Pharr officials had ample opportunity to address the danger but failed to act. Vicious Dog Declarations issued for Ringo, Billy, Casper, and Bonita explicitly outlined measures the owner needed to take, including confinement in a secured kennel, visible warning signs, and liability insurance. However, the city allegedly did not follow up to ensure compliance, allowing the dogs to remain a threat.

Additionally, days before the attack, city officials issued a Notice of Impoundment for Destruction for Ringo due to another violent incident. The filing accuses the city of failing to act on this notice, leaving the dogs at the property despite their known aggression.

Animal Control records submitted with the lawsuit include photographs of the dogs, taken after the attack, with visible blood on their bodies. The lawsuit further alleges that the city’s animal control division lacked proper training and oversight, contributing to its inability to manage dangerous situations effectively.

Impact on the Family

The woman’s family members, who frequently warned city officials of the danger, have been left emotionally and psychologically devastated. The legal filing describes their repeated efforts to seek help, including calls to Pharr Animal Control and police, as well as complaints to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

In addition to the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of the attack, the family endured the strain of managing the woman’s medical care and funeral arrangements. The filing describes symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety among family members, noting the profound and lasting impact of the tragedy.

Allegations of Constitutional Violations

The lawsuit alleges that the city’s failures constitute violations of the woman’s Fourteenth Amendment rights, specifically her right to substantive due process and equal protection under the law. By ignoring credible warnings and failing to enforce safety measures, the city is accused of creating a state of danger that ultimately led to the woman’s death.

Citing 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the filing argues that the city’s deliberate indifference and lack of adequate training and supervision represent a systemic failure to protect vulnerable residents. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as court-ordered policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.



Disclaimer

The content provided in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only. The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories. However, readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel and guidance for their specific legal inquiries and concerns. The publication does not assume any responsibility for actions taken by individuals based on the information presented. 

Additionally, while every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information, the publication does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal information with official sources and to use their discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided.

A Couple of Our Other Reads

You may be interested in our publishing on a Galveston County lawsuit alleging excessive force.

Or you may find our publishing on a Montgomery County lawsuit filed by a prior federal agent of interest. 

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