Couple sentenced to 15, 18 years in prison after fatal dog attack

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — After more than a week of testimony, two dog owners now have sentences in prison.

Christian Moreno received an 18-year sentence and Abilene Schneider got 15 years for their roles in a dog attack that took the life of Ramon Najera, 81.

Both pled guilty to the charge of dangerous dog attack resulting in death, and the case went straight to the punishment phase.

Two of the couple’s dogs attacked Najera on February 24, 2023. The victim’s wife was also attacked, and she suffered serious injuries.

KSAT-12 reports more than 20 witnesses for both the state and the defense testified in court. Early reports claimed some witnesses were getting death threats not long after the victims were killed and injured.

Animal Care Services (ACS) had the dogs in quarantine before the attack, but they were let go when a previous biting incident was not deemed serious.

The dogs were confiscated by ACS and later put down.