Man fires at service dog during pit bull attack in north Harris County

A north Harris County apartment complex became the scene of a gunfire investigation after a pit bull attack escalated Tuesday into shots fired at a service dog protecting its owner. Deputies were called to the Venti Apartments in the 14300 block of Ella Boulevard, and EMS was requested to evaluate the complainant as a precaution.

According to the call, the complainant said a pit bull attacked them while they were out with their service dog. The dog stepped in to protect its owner, and the pit bull’s owner allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired at the service animal. Harris County deputies said the suspect may still be in the area and were actively searching for them.

The case raises more than a neighborhood safety alarm. Under Texas Penal Code Section 42.091, intentionally, knowingly or recklessly attacking, injuring or killing an assistance animal is a criminal offense, and a conviction can require restitution for veterinary or medical bills, replacement of the animal, or retraining costs. Harris County’s District Attorney’s Office says its Animal Cruelty Section handles some dog-attack cases when the evidence supports charges, including matters involving interference with a police service animal.

For service-dog owners in Harris County, the first step is to treat an active attack as an emergency and call 911. The county’s Animal Cruelty Taskforce says emergency incidents should go to local law enforcement or animal control, and residents can report cruelty through the taskforce at 832-927-PAWS or through its online intake system. The district attorney’s office says animal-cruelty tips are reviewed after referral from law enforcement, which is why preserving the scene, medical records and veterinary bills can matter if prosecutors later consider charges tied to the attack.