GRAHAM, Texas (AP) - A Stephens County couple whose pit bulls fatally mauled their 7-year-old neighbor must serve seven years in prison.

It's believed to be the first conviction under a new Texas law that holds owners responsible if their unsecured dogs injure or kill someone in an unprovoked attack off their property.

The victim was Tanner Joshua Monk.

Twenty-eight-year-old Crystal Michelle Watson and 45-year-old Jack Wayne Smith 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 the boy was attacked May 18 while walking toward the couple's house as he sought to play with some children.

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

Attorneys for the Breckenridge-area couple did not immediately comment to The Associated Press.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-10-14-08 1610EDT