Family of woman who died by dog attack sues Pharr for $100M

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The family of a 91-year-old woman who was mauled to death by her son's dogs is suing the city of Pharr in federal court for $100 million.

Estela Manteca died on May 6, 2023, after being attacked by the dogs on Jan. 10, 2023. On Friday, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Manteca's daughter and granddaughter Lorena Cundari and Michele Piszczor.

The lawsuit alleges the City of Pharr failed to save Manteca from a preventable attack by a large pack of dogs owned by her son Alex Aranda, with whom she resided.

"Despite numerous urgent pleas for assistance from family members and other concerned individuals, the City of Pharr demonstrated conduct so egregious it shocks the conscience, reflecting deliberate indifference rooted in inadequate supervision and training—constituting a violation of civil rights under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution," the lawsuit reads. "This shocking dereliction of duty and extremely gross negligence directly resulted in the horrific attack on Estela Manteca."

The attack left Manteca in a coma and in need of amputation for both her legs, which ultimately led to her death.

After the attack, Estela endured unimaginable suffering, the lawsuit states. She underwent bilateral leg amputations that were required due to severe infection and sepsis.

Within the lawsuit are exhibits of the graphic images of Manteca's injuries showing her arms, chewed to the bone. Due to these injuries, the 91-year-old underwent extensive skin graft procedures that failed to heal adequately, and medical experts anticipated that they, too, might have required amputation had she survived.

"Four specific dogs—Billy, Ringo, Casper, and Bonita—were identified as vicious animals previously known to Pharr Animal Control and the Police Department due to prior attacks," the lawsuit states.

Cundari and Piszczor allege in the lawsuit that the four dogs were identified as vicious animals and were known to Pharr Animal Control and police due to prior attacks.

The lawsuit indicates that the city named Bonita a vicious dog since January 24, 2022. The city also issued vicious dog orders on January 24, 2022, for four other dogs, regarding which the city also did not follow up.

Additionally, the lawsuit shows photos of the bloody interior of Manteca’s home, proving her struggle with the animals. Photos of her gory injuries were also included as well as a description of the dogs, saying there were covered in her blood.

As a result of witnessing the aftermath of her mother's death, Cundari claims to have suffered severe emotional trauma, including severe depression, anxiety, and significant psychological distress.

"This event has left an enduring emotional scar on Lorena, profoundly affecting her well-being and quality of life," the lawsuit states.

Records indicate the City of Pharr was summoned to court on Monday.