LONGVIEW, Texas — Editor's Note: The above video aired on May 31, 2024.
After being assigned to review unrestrained animal ordinances in May, the City of Longview's Animal Shelter Advisory Committee will host its first meeting open to the public Monday evening.
Last month, the committee was charged with weighing in on animal laws in the city of Longview by Mayor Kristen Ishihara. The decision was made after Kenneth Pierson, 46, was killed in a February dog attack near MLK Blvd. and Rayburn Drive.
During a Longview City Council meeting on Thursday, Bonnie Hubbard, an Animal Shelter Advisory Committee member, said the meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Longview City Council chambers.
She said the committee is encouraging the public to show up and give input regarding animal law ordinances. The agenda can be found here.
On Feb. 29, Martin Gilbert Rodriguez, 56, was charged with attack by a dog causing death in connection with Pierson's death. Pierson's body was found dead near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Rayburn St., around 3 a.m. Feb. 1, with wounds "consistent with that of a dog bites," police said.
Rodriguez was charged with the offense after an autopsy was returned to the police department. He also faces the following charges:
- 28 counts - Animal at large
- 2 counts - Animal not vaccinated
- 5 counts - Failure to maintain financial responsibility
- 4 counts - No driver's license
- Speeding
- Animal illegally kept in parked or standing vehicle