In Houston, Texas, following months of a high-stakes court fight, a Texas judge ruled that the German shepherd, Hachi, will not be euthanized.
It had been a Christmas Eve single minor scratch incident that had initiated the distressing situation with the friendly German shepherd who had no history of aggression.
At the time, the Rosenberg Police Department presented evidence about the “dog bite” incident and described it as “causing significant injury” to a neighbor who had been standing near the front door after returning from taking out the trash. Police officers stated the owner had been previously notified about Hachi running loose and annoying neighbors. Texas law mandates controlling one’s dogs to prevent escape or public access.
The dog’s owner, LaDonna Aboubsi defended her dog after the shepherd was taken to the shelter. Less than two weeks later, on January 6, 2026, in Fort Bend County, Judge Phyllis Ross ordered the euthanasia of the dog and scheduled it for January 16.
The decision had been based on the owner’s guilty plea to a dangerous dog charge stemming from the dog’s failure to be properly controlled during the incident.
Aboubsi appealed Hachi’s death sentence, and as the details of the incident was shared on social media, animal advocates volunteered their support.
A petition on Change.org. titled “Stop the Euthanization of Hachi — Demand Due Process in Texas” called for halting the January 16, 2026, euthanasia date and emphasized Hachi’s lack of prior aggression and procedural concerns in the ruling.
The facts about the incident were clear:
..There had been no bite.
..No medical treatment was sought.
..No independent behavioral evaluation was conducted.
..The neighbor involved had a documented history of provoking the dog.
Just this week, the court determined the injuries did not meet the legal definition of “serious bodily injury.” Hachi’s life was spared!
The statute requires that for serious bodily injury the injury requires medical care and hospitalization.
And although it is sad that Hachi will not be returned to his owner, the dog will be rehomed with a friend and have a wonderful life.
The neighbor involved in the incident has not commented.
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