LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – All week we’ve been sharing stories about the problem of dogs roaming the streets in Liberty County and in some cases attacking people.
RELATED: Residents in Liberty County speak out at commissioners court meeting as stray dog issues continue
At a packed meeting Tuesday, residents shared concerns with County Commissioners, who did not have the stray dog issue on the agenda, but one commissioner told us they’re working to come up with a resolution.
The issue isn’t new, however, and residents tell KPRC 2 they’ve told authorities in the past, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears. Katrina Byrd, a Liberty County resident, for example, has experienced firsthand just how dangerous aggressive stray dogs can be.
Her story is particularly striking. Byrd was attacked by dogs, reported it to authorities, and was told if it happened again, she had the right to defend herself by shooting the dogs.
“Whenever we have stray animals in this county, and most of these stray animals are running in parks, and they attack people,” she said. “And the police is telling us and others that we need to shoot these animals if they’re on our property. But the thing is, is that they want a paper trail. They want video. They want proof that the dog actually attacked. And it’s really quite impossible to video something like that whenever you’re being attacked or you’re having to defend yourself.”
SHOCKING VIDEO: New video of dog attack sent to KPRC 2 from Liberty County community raises concerns
But when the attack happened again, Bryd did just that, only to end up facing charges of animal cruelty.
“It was either the dog or my daughter,” she said. “And when I shot this dog, the police were called by a neighbor and they came out and just brutally arrested me. And I was put in jail.”
Katrina Byrd shared her story with Zach Lashway on KPRC 2+ Now at 8 a.m. Watch the full interview in the video above.
