A deadly dog attack in a Katy-area neighborhood has left a 62-year-old man dead, raising safety concerns for residents using a popular walking trail.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County deputies are investigating a deadly dog attack in a Katy-area neighborhood that left a 62-year-old man dead and raised concerns among residents who use a popular walking trail.
The Harris County Medical Examiner’s office identified the victim as 62-year-old Chhay Leang. Neighbors believe he regularly walked along the trail where the attack happened, a route frequently used by other residents.
People continued to walk the path on Tuesday, passing the spot where investigators said three dogs mauled the man to death. Deputies are investigating how the dogs — two pit bull mixes and a Cane Corso — escaped from their owner’s property.
“It’s so tragic, and you hear of it often happening, especially here in Houston,” said Hayley Kenner, owner and co-founder of Revival Dog Training in Houston.
Kenner said encountering off-leash dogs can be intimidating, but there are steps people can take to protect themselves. She recommended carrying an object to help create distance and keep dogs at bay, such as a walking stick, and using barriers when possible.
“You know, any kind of obstacle, like car, trash can, the side of a house, anything you can get behind to kind of shield yourself in a situation like that is a good idea,” Kenner said.
She also suggested carrying a spray, such as citronella oil, that may help ward off dogs.
The advice follows Monday’s attack, in which the three dogs fatally mauled the man before later attacking a mother and her 2-year-old son outside a nearby home, according to investigators.
Kenner said people’s instincts during an attack can make a difference.
“Your natural reaction would be to resist and pull away, but it’s important that you feed into the bite and move towards the dog because any kind of pulling or resistance is going to create tension, and it’s going to encourage the dog to bite harder,” she said.
The three dogs are now in Harris County Animal Control custody and are under rabies observation. A court hearing will determine whether the dogs are returned to their owner or remain in custody to ultimately be euthanized.
Kenner emphasized the importance of proper training for dog owners and urged the public to remain cautious, even when encountering a dog that appears to be alone.
“You have no idea what that dog is going to do, especially, you know, you even have to be more cautious if you have a dog of your own with you,” she said.
The Sheriff’s Office says it’s too early to determine if charges will be filed, but KHOU 11’s legal expert Carmen Roe says it’s possible the owners could face a second or third-degree felony.
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