Neighbors in the area told KENS 5 that stray dogs have been an ongoing concern, with some residents carrying sticks while walking as a precaution.
SAN ANTONIO — A 59-year-old woman is recovering after she was attacked by two stray dogs while exercising on the city’s southeast side, according to Park Police.
Officers were dispatched around 9 a.m. Saturday to the 3100 block of Hiawatha Street, where they found the woman with visible injuries to her knee. Police said she told officers she was exercising when two stray dogs approached her and became aggressive and bit her.
The woman was able to fight the dogs off before they fled the area. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and was treated at the scene for lacerations. Officials with San Antonio Animal Care Services said the woman required stitches.
With assistance from Animal Care Services, both dogs were later located and secured at the scene.
Lisa Norwood with ACS said only one of the dogs was directly involved in the bite, but both animals — identified as American Staffordshire Terrier mixes — were taken into custody. The dog involved in the attack has been placed under quarantine, as required by protocol.
Animal Care Services is continuing to investigate whether the dogs were strays or had owners.
Neighbors in the area told KENS 5 that stray dogs have been an ongoing concern, with some residents carrying sticks while walking as a precaution.
Norwood said taking steps to protect oneself can be helpful but stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“When we allow our pets to roam, not only is there a potential danger for our neighbors, friends and family, but there’s also a danger to the pet themselves,” she said.
The woman is expected to recover.