SAN ANTONIO — City Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito called for a Thursday public safety meeting to address dog attacks in her district and across San Antonio.
Alderete Gavito told KENS 5 it's an issue that needs to be solved locally, but added there needs to be change at the state level too.
With attacks by aggressive dogs unfolding in Alderete Gavito's district, she said she felt it important to call a meeting where the public could question a panel of city officials.
"My priority is resident safety, and none of us want to see these dogs die," she said. "I know ACS is working with different agencies to get them adopted."
The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 950 Donaldson Ave.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus; Shannon Sims of San Antonio Animal Care Service; Judge Carla Obledo, a municipal court presiding judge; and Municipal Court 4 Judge Lisa M. Gonzales were scheduled to appear on the panel.
They will answer questions from the public on this topic and others regarding public safety,
Alderete Gavito said she want the public to get answers and she wants to see them safe.
"What I'd love to see is a policy proposal on this issue to see how we can address this further."
On a city level, the budget for Animal Care Services was increased by 26% for the 2024 budget, which lasts through September.
Alderete Gavito said that extra funding has allowed for them to hire more people and get more help as the department is strained right now.
She added that, in the City of San Antonio, almost 90% of dogs on the streets have an owner. Her goal is to help her district see what they can do to help the cause and find resources to make a difference.
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