Man Whose Dogs Killed Woman Acquitted

CAMERON, Texas (AP) - A jury acquitted a man whose six dogs fatally
mauled his elderly neighbor in her front yard.

The jury deliberated several hours before finding Jose Hernandez, 55,
not guilty Thursday of criminally negligent homicide in the November
2005 death of 76-year-old Lillian Stiles.

Investigators said Stiles was walking back to her house after getting
off her riding lawn mower when the six dogs attacked her. She suffered
severe bites over her entire body and was pronounced dead at her home
near Thorndale, about 40 miles northeast of Austin.

Hernandez had faced up to two years in a state jail for the felony
charge.

"I feel very sad and I give (the Stiles family) my most sincere
condolences," Hernandez said after an interpreter told him the verdict,
according to the Austin American-Statesman newspaper.

Jack Stiles, the victim's husband, was inside the couple's home when his
wife was attacked. He shot and killed one of the dogs. The other five
were later euthanized.

"We are very disappointed that it was a unanimous verdict," Jack Stiles
said. "The reason we were given is that the dogs were not previously
proven to be dangerous."

Hernandez testified that he kept three of his dogs inside a chain-link
fence with an electric wire, and he let some of the others roam his
yard. The dogs were gentle and had never previously attacked anyone,
according to testimony from his neighbors and friends.

Milam County doesn't require dogs to be locked up or leashed, but
prosecutors argued that Hernandez owned dangerous dogs.

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Opinions/Comments?

This is so appalling. I feel for the victim's family that she had to
die in such a horrible matter.

I can't believe that just because these dogs were not proven to be
harmful in the past that they would make it ok for what happened here.

The fact that he had a chain-link fence w/electrical wire only proves
that he knew that these particular dogs were dangerous. This is not the
'normal' setting for any back yard w/dogs.

Unfortunately the judicial system has failed this family. The only
gratification they may have is that he will have to live w/this for the
remainder of his days and the fact he has to be reminded of this
everytime he goes in his back yard.

I hope that he is not allowed to have any more vicious dogs in the
future

The fact that he had a chain-link fence w/electrical wire only proves
that he knew that these particular dogs were dangerous. This is not the
'normal' setting for any back yard w/dogs.
I agree with that cuz dogs r what u make them. Just like anyhting else.

what kind of dogs were these that would go after an old lady on a riding
lawnmower? And the owner got off? Dog bite is a personal injury case, so
what is a homicide by a dog? Civil or criminal.....

what kind of dogs were these that would go after an old lady on a riding
lawnmower? And the owner got off? Dog bite is a personal injury case, so
what is a homicide by a dog? Civil or criminal.....

Justice failed the victim's family; Senor Hernandez should be doing
time. Of course since he won't be he shouldn't be allowed to own any
more dogs (you might be able to convince me that no dogs over 10# is
acceptable) since he obviously has no idea how to care for a dog. As
for dangerous dogs, ANY dog can be dangerous, but some breeds are
notorious for being a threat to people.

Sorry no justice did not fail. Fact is that with current laws if any
domesticated animal is not KNOWN to be dangerous or have bitten anyone
before, then the owner is not liable for damages of any kind.

Laws need to be changed that's a fact.

okay but what kind of dangerous dogs were they>...Pits?

http://www.taylordailypress.net/articles/2007/03/23/news/news01.txt

In the above article it says that Hernandez didn't know what breed
they were.

Ah, well most people know what their dog is. My dog "Cookie", the
shipzoo hound I talk about periodically, had to go to the vet. The vet's
wife was smart enough to know that Cookie was territorial, and so she
let the vet go in, then the dog with me, and she started to come in.
Cookie took one look at the vet's wife, and barked she had enough of
her. So the vet looked at Cookie and said, "You don't like her, but I
do". Cookie said nothing but she looked at the vet, and the vet being
the coward he was, escaped. Later I apologized to the vet's blonde wife,
and she pulled up her shirt sleeve to show me her scars.
I keep my eye on Cookie. I know what liability is.

I cannot imagine what that family is feeling. The guy with the dogs? Why
does anyone need a PACK of dogs in their back yard?

I dont know where my comment from yesterday went?! but
here it is again.
Being one who loves the American Pitbull terriers that is the breed i
have always adored. I am not for fighting them. Just loving them. One of
the brightest breeds that got a very UGLY NAME thanks to some very UGLY
AND VICIOUS OWNERS.
Justice did nothing to protect that poor woman who was mauled by that
mans wreckless disregard for HIS DOGS. WHY would anyone need electic
fencing for sweet loving dogs? WHY am i not invited to jury duty for
cases such as THIS ONE????
you can put down a bad dog. You cant a bad owner!!!!