BURKEVILLE, Texas — The owner of the dogs who attacked a Newton County woman, leaving her with multiple injuries, is being cited.
The attack happened on Sunday as Shelly Engel was walking along Texas Highway 87 just north of Texas Highway 63 according to Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby. The attack in the northern part of the county near Burkeville.
The owner is now being instructed to make the necessary arrangements to contain her dogs, according to a news release from the Newton County Sheriff's Office.
During the investigation, sheriff's deputies identified the dogs that appeared to be the leaders in the pack. They captured one and the owner took another to the veterinarian Tuesday for appropriate disposition.
Newton County Sheriff Robert Burbry checked the residence Wednesday morning to speak with the owner of the dogs.
He discussed with her the responsibilities under the Texas Law when a dog is considered dangerous, according to the release.
The owner says she only has six dogs left on this property.
"There was a lot of dogs, and it was way more than 17," Engel said. "When I went to the hospital they gave me shots and they cleaned my wounds and bandage them."
Engel had "numerous injuries" and was taken to Jasper Memorial hospital for treatment Burby told 12News. She has since been released from the hospital and is recovering.
She says she was at the hospital for about six to eight hours.
“If you own dogs, you need to take responsibility for them and keep them from becoming a burden or from hurting other people," Burby said.
Engel said the dog have been a problem for months. She claims several people have reported the issue to the sheriff's office.
"I and several other people have called and there was nothing done," Engel said.
This is still an open investigation and this residence is on extra patrol, according to the release.
Sheriff Burby says they are following the law regarding the handling of this type of incident.
There is currently no ordinance that requires dogs to be on a leash in Newton County. Only incorporated cities are able to enact ordinances in the State of Texas.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING | Newton County woman recovering after being attacked by pack of dogs
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