Two dogs attack 7 people in Plano

^{WFAA – 7:26 a.m. CDT April 13, 2015}

PLANO — Seven people are recovering after being attacked by two dogs in Plano.

Police say the incident began at the Park Springs Townhomes off Alma Drive Sunday at about 7:15 p.m. when the dogs escaped from a nearby townhome.

After they attacked six people, including a 5-year-old girl, Plano police officers chased them to a nearby park where one officer was attacked. Another officer then shot and killed one of the dogs.

Police say the dogs, described as shepherd mixes, have been known to be aggressive in the past.

7 People Hurt In Plano Dog Attack

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PLANO (AP) – Police say seven people have been bitten by two aggressive dogs in an attack that ended when a North Texas officer shot and killed one of the German shepherds.

Plano police on Monday said the victims have injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Officer David Tilley says the officer who was bitten Sunday night has a leg wound and was treated and released from a hospital. Six other victims have lesser injuries.

Seven People Injured In Dog Attack In Texas Suburb

^{CBS KWTX 10 – 4/13/15}

PLANO (April 13, 2015) Seven people were bitten by two aggressive dogs in an attack that ended when a Plano officer shot and killed one of the German shepherds, police said.

The victims’ injuries were not believed to be life threatening, Plano police said Monday.

An officer was among those the dogs bit in the attack Sunday night.

The officer suffered a leg wound and was treated and later released from a hospital, Officer David Tilley said.

Six other victims have lesser injuries, police said.

7 hurt in North Texas attack by 2 dogs, police kill 1 canine

^{Houston Chronicle – 4/13/15}

Plano police on Monday said the victims have injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Officer David Tilley says the officer who was bitten Sunday night has a leg wound and was treated and released from a hospital. Six other victims have lesser injuries.

Officers responded to 911 calls about two loose dogs biting people at a townhomes complex and near a park. Tilley says an officer chased one dog, was bitten, then fatally shot the animal.

Owner cited after dogs attack, injure 7 people

^{Plano Star Courier – 4/13/15}

The owner of two aggressive German Shepherd-mix dogs that attacked seven people just after 7 p.m. on Sunday has been issued citations by Plano Animal Services for not registering the animals and failing to provide proof of a rabies vaccination. Both citations can carry a fine of up to $500.

When the Plano Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding two aggressive dogs “running loose and biting people” at the Park Springs Townhomes, they arrived to a chaotic scene, said Officer David Tilley, Plano PD spokesman.

“There were 30 or 40 people outside pointing where to go to find the dogs,” he said. “People were up on top of their cars … it was kind of bizarre that people were standing on their cars for safety. They were clearly afraid of these dogs.”

After biting several people – including a 5-year-old girl – at the townhomes, located near Alma Drive and Spring Creek Parkway, the dogs ran through an opening in a fence. Officers were able to corral one of the dogs into a backyard, where it was secured until Animal Services responded. The other dog took off, and ran west into Wagon Wheel Park, where it was intercepted by officers.

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The German Shepherd’s history as a farm dog disposes them to be very protective of their territory or yard. They are guardians by nature and this may cause them to behave in a confrontational manner. It is wise to exercise extreme caution when approaching or visiting homes with a German Shepherd. They have been known to act aggressively in order to protect.

Because they are so often used for police work, some lines of GSDs have developed behavior that makes them unsuitable as household pets. Police lines often suffer an ADHD-like excitability and lack of impulse control. Some have developed what looks like ‘impulsive aggression’ – sudden, unprovoked, disproportionately savage attacks on another dog or on a human. If you are considering a German Shepherd Dog as a household companion, it is important to be sure you choose a dog from a working guide dog line or a companion dog line, and avoid breeders who supply police trainers and/or shutzhund clubs. This is particularly important if you expect the dog to interact safely with children and with other animals.

The German Shepherd Dog is a large canine, weighing between 75-90 pounds when full grown. The GSD’s coat needs brushing daily and will shed usually twice a year. Hereditary diseases to be aware of include elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, chronic eczema, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), and skin allergies. Show lines can have hip dysplasia so serious that it cripples the dog at a young age. The GSD has a life expectancy of approximately 13 years.

In North America, from 1982-2014, German Shepherds have been responsible for 113 attacks on humans, resulting in 73 maimings and 15 fatalities. German Shepherd mixes have been responsible for 67 attacks, resulting in 40 maimings and 10 fatalities.

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POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG BREEDS

This is a list of dog breeds that have a history of being potentially dangerous to people, especially children. Daxton’s Friends for Canine Education and Awareness understands that any dog has the ability to bite or inflict serious harm to humans. This list consists of several dog breeds that have a higher than average number of recorded human fatalities. Please use extreme caution if you choose to bring one of these breeds into your home. Rental communities and homeowners insurance may restrict many of the dog breeds on this list due to the likelihood of a serious incident.

Pit Bulls, Mastiff, and Rottweiler lead in fatalities and are listed first. The rest of the breeds are listed in alphabetical order:

Pit Bull Terrier Family