~ Update: October 27, 2022
I have heard back from the Austin Police Department.
Part of the email I received reads: “I want to confirm, this case is actively under investigation and currently being staffed with the Travis County DA’s Office. Because it is an active investigation, I can’t disclose any of the details. From my understanding, Animal Control - a different entity, has been called out there several times and observed the animals to be in fine condition (although, I have only heard this from 3rd parties). The police department was unaware of the events until the day this story hit the news. You may have to reach out to Animal Control for more information on what they know. Rest assured, however, the detectives will do their due diligence on this case.”
The email goes on to say: “On a second note, we found out about this case via an email from PETA and from the news. The fact that this video hit the news before coming to us means that the parties involved probably know about this case and it hinders our investigation. Through your organization, if you’re able to get the word out, it would greatly help our detectives to have people call 911 or 311 and report animal cruelty directly to the police department versus going to the news or other organizations so we can get to the case before those involved are aware.”
“See something, say something.” Law enforcement agencies, animal control services, humane societies, and so on strongly encourage us to report any abuse we witness. But what happens when the report falls on deaf ears?
An Austin resident who has witnessed repeated abuse on a defenseless dog, got so frustrated that she resorted to FOX 7 to address her concerns.
The woman, who wishes to remain nameless, explained to FOX 7 that she owns a condo in Southeast Austin and that she bought the place in 2019. The witness said: “By spring of 2021, I was recording the abuse through the walls and reporting it to APD, to my HOA and reaching out to other neighbors to confirm that they were hearing what I was hearing.”
The witness explained to FOX 7: “It sounds like someone’s dropping things upstairs, and then you hear a dog reacting. I have two huge dogs, I know what it sounds like when a dogs playing or even when they ‘play bark,’ but this is crying out in pain.”
The resident was recently able to capture on her Ring camera a man kicking the dog in question and shared the video with FOX 7.
Before that, she said she has dialed 911, 311, and she has reached out to her HOA. She is understandably frustrated that nothing has been done for over a year. She told FOX 7: “Everybody passes the buck.”
FOX 7 reports that they reached out the City of Austin’s Animal Services and a spokesperson told them that because animal abuse is a crime it is handled by the Austin Police Department.
FOX 7 further reports: “According to the city, if there is enough evidence a criminal case could be launched and a warrant could be obtained to seize pets.”
I watched the video and I have asked myself if the dog had been a child, would law enforcement still be taking this long to intervene?
I have emailed Austin Police Department Chief Joseph Chacon and asked whether the dog has been examined by a veterinarian and whether the case is being investigated.
If I receive a response, I will update this article accordingly.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Link included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
