ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – People in an Albuquerque neighborhood are worried about their safety after a dog attack left a woman seriously injured. Those living nearby hope something can be done before someone else is hurt.
Those who live in a neighborhood off Central Ave. and Atrisco Dr. said they are scared to go on walks because of a house at the end of the street. Neighbors said a pack of at least 10 aggressive dogs live at the home. Some of those dogs, they said, have attacked people.
“I would not walk down there unless I had a stick. There’s no reason I would go down into the culdesac without a stick,” said one nearby resident.
According to neighbors, late last month a woman crossed into the backyard of the home. Other neighbors said she was trying to visit a friend’s home nearby when she was attacked by several dogs, leaving her with extremely serious injuries. The mother of that woman said she is still in the ICU.
“She has bites everywhere. There’s not a place that she’s not bitten. She’s just bitten up everywhere,” said the mom.
Animal Welfare confirmed the incident did happen. They said the dogs are not living in an “ideal” situation. Neighbors complain about the home’s condition and the smell of dog feces. According to Animal Welfare, they’ve received at least five complaints about the woman who lives there.
“When the neighbors have their homes nice and then you have to live next to that, yeah it does affect you,” said a neighbor.
KRQE is not naming the owner of the home because she has not been charged. However, according to court records, last year she was facing charges for failing to care for her dogs. The documents cite a lack of cleanliness, unsecured fencing, and not getting their rabies shots. The complaint said officers counted 11 dogs on the property at the time.
However, the owner was deemed incompetent to stand trial and the charges were dismissed. According to Animal Welfare, the Albuquerque Police Department assisted them when they tried to serve a warrant earlier this month. However, Animal Welfare was unable to enter the property because of their limited authority. Now neighbors are left on edge.
According to Animal Welfare, none of the dogs have been removed from the property.
Animal Welfare sent KRQE this statement:
“All reports of HEART Ordinance bite violations made to the AWD are fully investigated. If evidence of a violation is found, criminal charges, civil fines and the seizure of animals are all possibilities. In bite cases the animal must be quarantined, certified healthy afterwards and microchipped.”