Dogs captured after deadly mauling of 71-year-old man in Fort Bend Co.; police search for owners

FRESNO, Texas - Authorities in Fort Bend County are working to track down who may own a pack of dogs that killed a 71-year-old man in Fresno on Monday.

The animals pounced on Freddy Garcia in the 4300 block of Mark Terrace Lane, as he was walking to the store, the sheriff’s office says. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

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24 hours after the attack, Fort Bend County Animal Control officers captured the last of the 7 dogs believed responsible for the deadly attack.

Joey Cartwright owns the property where they were found, and called authorities.

"Those two that they just got; I'm sure they did it because I saw blood all over them," Cartwright said.

Across the street, Garcia's brother, Jorge, is still trying to make sense of the attack.

"I can't accept it myself," Jorge said. "What happened?"

Freddy left his home, daily, to walk around the neighborhood, to a nearby park, and to the local store. Two weeks ago, he was bitten on the hand, by a dog, but was undeterred.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan says investigators have surveillance video of the attack, from a neighbor, that is not yet being released to the public.

"I can tell you this gentleman did nothing to provoke these animals," Fagan said. "I can tell you that."

The task now is to determine if the dogs are vicious strays, or owned by someone who can be held responsible.

"If you have a dangerous dog, it is your responsibility to keep that dog secured to keep the members in our community safe," says Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton. "And I can tell you as district attorney, if you fail to do that, you will be held accountable."

While Freddy Garcia's family waits for that accountability, there is relief, at least, that these dogs will not have an opportunity to hurt anyone else.

"These animals, here, cannot do no more," says Jorge. "Cannot hurt nobody no more, and that's a good thing."

Investigators say there was another dog attack, in the same area, last week, and the sheriff's office believes it was the same animals. The dogs will, almost certainly, be euthanized once the investigation is complete.

The sheriff’s office, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and Fort Bend County Animal Services are continuing to investigate.