Nicholas Vasquez Dead of Injuries from Dog Attack in Huffman, TX
UPDATE (June 21, 2022): It is our sad duty to report that Nicholas Vasquez died on June 19, 2022 of the injuries he sustained in the dog attack.
Huffman, TX — June 9, 2022, 51-year-old Nicholas Vasquez was critically injured after three dogs attacked him in Huffman.
According to reports the incident happened Thursday in at the intersection of Havard Road and Knoll Lane. Preliminary investigation suggests only that three pit bulls, owned by a local resident, viciously attacked Vasquez in the area and caused him critical injuries.
After the dogs were taken off Vasquez he was transported to a Kingwood hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Reports say parts of his feet had to be amputated due to the damage from the dogs.
The dogs were reportedly taken away by authorities after the incident. Neighbors in the area said a local school bus stop had to be moved somewhere else because the dogs had chased and intimidated children before.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Nicholas Vasquez Dog Attack in Huffman
This incident was serious enough that authorities seized the dogs, which doesn't always happen after attacks. Given the damage they did and their alleged history of scaring local kids at the bus stop consequences seem warranted, but it's unclear if they were just taken by animal control or if they will be euthanized.
Whatever happens to them, there may be other issues to consider as well. Even if the dogs are no longer able to hurt anyone, that does little to help the injured victim heal from the damage they already did. Is the dogs' owner responsible for the victim's injuries?
The Lone Star State, like many others in the U.S., uses the one bite rule. While not a formal statute, this legal precedent says dog owners aren't typically liable for the damage done the first time their animal attacks someone. After the first incident, however, owners must take precautions to make sure no future attacks occur. If they fail to do anything or don't do enough, then they are liable if the dog hurts anyone else.
Neighbors mentioned the dogs were a concern in the neighborhood, but it's unclear if they physically injured anyone else before this incident. Moreover, it's unknown if any specific complaints about them were made to Animal Control before. It's important to know if there's any documented history about the dogs when finding ways to help the victim recover the best he can. I hope the necessary steps will be taken not only to get him help, but also to prevent future attacks.
