Finding a permanent sanctuary for a dog with a bite history can be difficult, as many standard shelters and rescues are unable to accept them due to liability issues and limited resources
. The best options are specialized sanctuaries or rescues that explicitly work with behavior issues and have the expertise and facilities to manage them safely.
Specialized Sanctuaries and Rescues
These organizations are more likely to have the necessary resources, trained staff, and specific protocols for dogs with behavioral challenges:
All Ears Animal Rescue And Sanctuary This organization specifically focuses on dogs with bite histories, leash reactivity, resource guarding, and other fear-based behaviors. They work with local animal control and shelters to provide an alternative for these dogs.
Caring Hearts Rescue's Safe Haven Sanctuary This sanctuary is a refuge for dogs with serious behavioral problems, including a history of multiple bites. They provide a safe, loving foster home and care for the dogs for the rest of their lives if a forever home cannot be found.
Home At Last Animal Sanctuary (HAL) HAL accepts "biters" after assessing each potential resident and the circumstances of the bites. They provide an environment with wide open spaces and high activity levels, which helps extinguish biting behavior in many cases.
Pupcakes Rescue And Rehab This non-profit specializes in dogs with severe behavioral issues and bite histories, providing extensive assessments, training, and ongoing lifetime support for adopters.
https://pupcakesrescueandrehab.com/behavioural-issues
https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/dog-aggression-signs-causes-and-how-manage
https://www.caringheartsrescue.org/rehabilitation-program
https://bestfriends.org/partners/all-ears-animal-rescue-and-sanctuary
http://majesticcaninerescue.squarespace.com/
https://www.dogtales.ca/surrender-a-dog
However, nothing can happen with the dogs until the case goes before the courts. Here is an email response from Best Friends Animal Society.
Good morning Nicole,
Thank you for contacting Best Friends and for everything you are doing to help these dogs. I'm sorry to say we are not able to take the dogs here at the sanctuary. With thousands of requests coming in each year, potential admissions are considered in view of space and resources. Here's a little bit about our admissions policies that I hope will give you a better idea about how we approach admissions here at the sanctuary found by clicking here. https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/know-before-you-go/information-and-admission-policies
Please understand that representing clients in these types of cases is not something we do. We recommend researching lawyers on your state's Bar Association to find an attorney well-versed in animal law in your state who can provide you with some legal advice and advocate for the dogs.
Another great resource is Lawyers.com, an online referral service that allows you to search for a lawyer in your area who specializes in animal law, rights, and welfare.
You might also try looking at the Animal Legal Defense Fund website, they offer a pro-bono referral network herehttps://aldf.org/article/legal-assistance-request/.
Also see: ALDF Article: what to do if a dog is deemed vicious or bitten someone.
https://aldf.org/article/what-to-do-if-your-dog-is-in-danger-of-being-declared-vicious-or-if-your-dog-has-bitten-someone-who-is-now-suing-you/
It is my sincerest hope that this information will be of some help to you! Thank you for your love and compassion for the animals!
Kind regards,
Katherine
Member Liaison
Best Friends Animal Society
And a comment from police services.
C5IAD (Constable Pct. 5) C5IAD@cn5.hctx.net
Date: Monday, December 29, 2025
Subject: Save the dogs
Greetings again
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the tragic incident that occurred on December 15, 2025, along the Mason Creek Hike and Bike Trail in Katy, Texas, resulting in the death of Mr. Chhay Leang. We acknowledge the seriousness of this event and recognize the strong concerns expressed regarding the disposition of the animals involved.
The Internal Affairs Division’s role is limited to reviewing allegations of employee misconduct or violations of departmental policy. Matters involving animal custody determinations, quarantine, euthanasia decisions, or placement with rescues or sanctuaries fall outside the scope of Internal Affairs authority. Those decisions are governed by state law and local ordinances and are typically handled by Animal Control, the appropriate prosecuting authority, and, where applicable, the courts.
With respect to accountability, any determination regarding criminal or civil responsibility related to the incident is the responsibility of the investigating agency and the prosecuting authority. Internal Affairs does not have the authority to alter or intervene in legal or administrative actions taken against animals following an investigation of this nature.
We appreciate the information you provided regarding specialized sanctuaries and rescues that work with animals with documented bite histories. While Internal Affairs cannot direct outcomes in these matters, such information may be relevant for consideration by Animal Control officials or legal authorities evaluating lawful alternatives under applicable statutes.
Again, we recognize the gravity of the loss suffered by Mr. Leang’s family and the impact this incident has had on the community. Should you wish to pursue further consideration of the animals’ disposition, we recommend contacting the appropriate Animal Control agency or the prosecuting authority overseeing the case.
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns.
Respectfuly,
Arland Glover
Lieutenant, Internal Affairs Division
Harris County Constable's Office Pct. 5
17423 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094
Office: 832-927-6704
Email:Arland.Glover@cn5.hctx.net