(October 14, 2008)--A Stephens County couple whose pit bulls fatally mauled a 7-year-old neighbor must serve seven years in prison after what was evidently the first conviction under a new Texas law named in honor of a Central Texas woman that holds owners responsible if their unsecured dogs injure or kill someone in an unprovoked attack off their property.

Crystal Michelle Watson, 28, and Jack Wayne Smith, 45, were convicted Thursday of a dog attack resulting in a death.

The second-degree felony carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Authorities say Tanner Joshua Monk was attacked May 18 as he walked toward the couple's house to play with some children.

Deputies had to kill two dogs that tried to attack them.

The stiffer penalties are the result of a measured the Texas Legislature passed in 2007 called “Lillian’s Law” in honor of a 76-year-old Central Texas woman who was killed in 2005 by six dogs that got out of a neighbor’s backyard.

Authorities say the pit bull-Rottweiler mixed-breed dogs attacked Stiles as she rode a lawnmower.

Her husband was inside the couple’s home watching a football game and was unaware of the attack until a passerby knocked on the door.

State Rep. Dan Gattis’ bill allows authorities to charge owners of dogs involved in deadly attacks with second-degree felonies, which carry potential penalties of two to 20 years in prison.