News Summary
Danielle Henderson received a six-year prison sentence after her dogs severely attacked 76-year-old Max De Los Santos, resulting in amputations. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for stricter dog ownership laws in San Antonio. De Los Santos’s recovery journey continues as he advocates for change, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
San Antonio Dog Owner Receives Six-Year Sentence Following Grievous Dog Attack
In a heartbreaking case that’s shaken the vibrant community of San Antonio, a judge has sentenced 34-year-old Danielle Henderson to six years in prison after a dog attack left a 76-year-old man, Max De Los Santos, fighting for his life. The incident unfolded in August 2023, outside De Los Santos’s home when he was viciously mauled by Henderson’s dogs—a German shepherd and a pit bull.
The aftermath of the attack was devastating. De Los Santos suffered injuries so severe that both of his legs had to be amputated. His wife, Beatrice De Los Santos, has expressed profound disappointment with the sentence handed down to Henderson, feeling that it falls woefully short of accounting for the lifetime of challenges her husband now faces.
The Sentencing: A Community Response
Despite Henderson’s plea for probation and her expression of remorse in court, many believe that her apology lacked sincerity and impact. The judge, seeing the gravity of the situation, denied Henderson’s request for probation, opting instead for the full six-year prison term. In addition to her sentence, the convicted dog owner has been ordered to pay over $100,000 in restitution to De Los Santos for his medical expenses and suffering.
The couple had previously voiced concerns about Henderson’s dogs escaping their yard, having reported incidents to the city with little to no response. The lack of action has fueled their desire for systemic change, particularly to ensure that other families do not endure similar hardships.
Max De Los Santos: An Inspiring Journey
While the legal battle continues, Max De Los Santos is making strides in his personal recovery. Currently undergoing physical therapy, he is determined to regain independence and aspirations of driving once again. His fortitude serves as a beacon of hope not only for himself but for many others who find themselves in dire situations after dog attacks. The couple is actively advocating for stricter regulations regarding dangerous dog breeds and holding the city more accountable for the safety of its residents.
De Los Santos has expressed his strong belief that certain breeds, particularly pit bulls, should be banned from urban areas. Changes in legislation are crucial as numbers illustrate an alarming trend—in just five years, severe dog bite incidents in San Antonio have skyrocketed from 110 in 2018 to nearly 300 reported cases in 2023. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures.
The Bigger Picture and Moving Forward
This tragic event is only one of many serious dog-related incidents that have occurred in San Antonio recently, some leading to fatalities. In response to the rising concern over dog attacks, the San Antonio City Council is actively working on implementing stricter penalties for irresponsible dog ownership. In addition, there has been a significant increase in funding to Animal Care Services, a move that aims to address the epidemic of dangerous dogs in urban settings.
The dogs involved in the attack on Max De Los Santos have already been euthanized, but this decision does little to heal the wounds that have been inflicted on the De Los Santos family. They are hopeful that by sharing their story, they can inspire change to safeguard others from enduring a similar fate.
As San Antonio grapples with the complexities of pet ownership and community safety, there is a growing movement that advocates for both the welfare of animals and the protection of people. The journey toward healing for Max and Beatrice De Los Santos is just beginning, but their resolve to create a lasting impact speaks volumes to their character and determination for change.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Dog Attack
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Dog Attacks San Antonio
- Express News
- Google Scholar: Dog Attacks San Antonio
- San Antonio Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog Attacks
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google News: Dog Attack San Antonio
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
