KATY, Texas – A deadly dog attack in Katy is renewing concerns about loose dogs and the growing number of animal control calls across Harris County.
Police say a man in his 60s was mauled to death by a pack of three dogs along the Mason Creek Hike and Bike Trail in the Morton Ranch area.
The man, described as a regular on the trail, died before first responders could arrive.
Investigators say the danger didn’t end there.
After the initial attack, the same three dogs reportedly went on to attack a mother and her toddler in a nearby parking area as she was loading her children into a car.
The woman told officers she placed her son behind her as the dogs jumped on her. Both she and the child were bitten multiple times, but are expected to recover.
While police say incidents like this are rare, data from Harris County Pets shows a broader public safety issue.
For the past several years, animal control has received tens of thousands of calls annually. As of September, nearly 2,000 dog bites had already been reported this year, according to the agency.
Animal welfare officials stress the importance of taking precautions when encountering stray or loose dogs.
Parents are encouraged to keep children close and avoid engaging with unfamiliar animals.
The park where the attack happened will remain closed Tuesday.
The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) has described loose dogs as a public safety crisis and urges residents to report dangerous animals in their neighborhoods.