12:00 AM CDT on Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Associated Press

GRAHAM, Texas – A couple whose pit bulls fatally mauled their 7-year-old neighbor have been sentenced to seven years in prison, the first conviction under a new state law that holds owners responsible if their dogs injure or kill someone.

Crystal Michelle Watson, 28, and Jack Wayne Smith, 45, were convicted last week of a dog attack resulting in a death, a second-degree felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The law says owners are guilty if their unsecured dogs injure or kill a person in an unprovoked attack off their property.

After the sentencing Friday, state District Judge Stephen Crawford said each defendant would be eligible for release on $150,000 bond pending appeal, which is allowed for certain crimes with sentences of fewer than 10 years. Ms. Watson and Mr. Smith had not posted bail and remained in custody Tuesday.

Attorneys for the couple, who live just outside Breckenridge, did not immediately return calls seeking comment Tuesday.