‘Dangerous’ pit bulls returned to owner

Four pit bulls, days away from being euthanized, are back with their owner.

On Monday, the dogs were released by the City of El Paso Environmental Services.

Last month, the dogs reportedly attacked a 46 year old man jogging in the 500 block of Eastland Street in El Paso’s lower valley.

The victim was hospitalized after he claimed all four dogs attacked him.

Ken Ferstenmacher, the city’s Interim Director of Environmental Services, said the dogs were released to the owner because it’s state law.

“In Texas, dogs are property … they can reclaim their dogs to take them back to their home,” said Ferstenmacher.

The animal control officer who took the dogs from the home the day of the attack, October 17, reported the owner surrenedered custody of the four dogs.

Days later, the owner requested to have his dogs back.

The dogs are back home, but under certain conditions.

They have to be registered with Animal Services as dangerous dogs.

Under the’Dangerous Dog Designation’,the owner must keep them on a leash at all times and required to get liability insurance.

In addition, the owner had to pay $802 in fees for impoundment and handling of the dogs while they were in city custody.

Since the dogs are deemed dangerous, city officials say they will monitor the situation in the next few weeks.

“They (owner) will have up to 30 days from the time they are designated dangerous to get their property secure and make sure that it’s safe, said Ferstenmacher.