SAN ANGELO, Texas — UPDATE (3:26 p.m. Nov. 8): The San Angelo Animal Services animal control officer who was attacked by aggressive dogs Wednesday is now in stable condition, according to a statement from the City of San Angelo (COSA).
The ACO remains under treatment and the City said there is not an estimated date for his release from the hospital.
COSA staff visited the long-time City employee Friday in Lubbock.
"We ask and thank you for your continued prayers," the COSA release said.
ORIGINAL STORY: City of San Angelo and San Angelo Police are asking the community to pray for an animal control officer who is in critical condition after being attacked by two aggressive dogs Wednesday at a home on Cloud Street.
A San Angelo Police Department release says officers arrived at the location Wednesday afternoon and found the animal control officer (ACO) had been attacked by at least two large breed dogs, causing injuries to his face, arms and legs.
San Angelo Fire Department medics and the police officers were able to provide medical aid at the scene before rushing the ACO to Shannon Medical Center. His injuries were so severe, he was later airlifted to Lubbock to receive a higher level of care for his injuries.
COSA City Manager Daniel Valenzuela said at a joint press conference the ACO responded to a call about multiple aggressive dogs at the location. Once at the residence, he discovered there were at least 10 dogs belonging to the owner and at least two attacked the ACO.
"While we wait for further updates on the officer's condition, I ask for this community to please pray, pray for him and his family. This is a dedicated public servant, who's life is at risk," Valenzuela said.
The dogs involved were surrendered to Animal Services by their owner and were euthanized.
Police Chief Travis Griffith said the department's Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the incident. Charges could be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation.
"This just highlights the fact that our folks are out there in danger more times than not - more times than you think about - animal control, water department, police department, fire department," Griffith said. "This is a public safety issue..."
Valenzuela asked citizens for patience when calling about animal control problems and acknowledged the improvement of the system is ongoing.
San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter said it takes a village.
"Animal control is a people issue - people create the problem...We have to be vigilant about what we do as it relates to vicious dogs and packs of dogs," she said. "If you see something, say something."
Gunter said the City is open to suggestions, concepts, solutions and ideas on how to work together to solve the animal control issue.
"So help us and pray if you will, for this ASO officer. He's going to need all of us praying for him and his well-being and his return home," Gunter said. "He needs us."
