San Antonio's stray dog problem is growing more complicated, with an increase of owned dogs found roving away from home.
In an attempt to curb the number of roaming canines and prevent potential mishaps, the City's Animal Care Services Department is ramping up the number of citations issued to pet owners who let their dogs run free.
While ACS is impounding less animals, the number of those being returned to owners after being picked up has risen sharply from about 2,000 incidents in 2013 to almost 7,000 last year, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Last week, a local court handed down a sentence of 4 years in prison to Alphonso McCloud for his loose pitbull's vicious attack on an elderly woman, Doris Mixon Smith, who lost an arm and remains scarred on her right side. His wife, Stanyelle Miles-McCloud, received 10 years probation for the incident.
What are the rules for roaming animals in San Antonio and what are the consequences for pet owners who let them run free?
Is increased education and better enforcement enough to solve the problem?
Guests:
- Lisa Norwood, public relations and outreach manager for the City of San Antonio's Animal Care Services department
- Officer Shannon Sims, assistant director for the City of San Antonio's Animal Care Services department
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982.
*Audio from this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31
