The man confessed to deputies that he had shot the family pet, however charges are pending. Chief Deputy Robert De Leon stated that incidents like this are “not too common in our community,” and that they did not want to charge the man with a lesser offense if a greater one was available.
De Leon also noted that there is body camera footage of the claims from both parties, and all evidence will be taken into account. The Sheriff’s Department is pursuing criminals charges. In addition, De Leon would like to express to citizens to please call vector control regarding animal complaints to avoid unfortunate events.
Project COMPANION, along with other local animal advocacy organizations are asking citizens to contact local authorities and request justice for Daisey.
Animal cruelty is a punishable offense in Texas. Section 42.09 “Cruelty to Livestock Animals” and 42.092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an animal. The following actions define cruel punishment: torturing animal, failing to provide food, care or shelter, abandoning an animal, transporting or confining an animal in a cruel manner, killing, seriously injuring or joining an animal, causing an animal to fight with another, using a live animal as a lure in a dog race, tripping a horse, injuring an animal belonging to another person, and seriously overworking an animal.
House Bill 653 and Senate Bill 1724, commonly known as “Loco’s Law,” went into effect September 1, 2001, making animal cruelty a felony and punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to two years in jail. The law was named for a puppy called Loco whose eyes were intentionally gouged out. Prior to Loco’s Law, animal cruelty was not considered a felony under Texas law. Today, animal cruelty convictions are classified as either a felony or misdemeanor.
A new law passed by the 2017 Legislature, pending signature of the Governor, SB 762, increases penalties for repeat offenders from class “A” Misdemeanors to State Jail felonies.
Project COMPANION is a local 501C-3 non-profit animal advocacy group that focuses on providing information and access to low cost Spay and Neutering services in order to decrease animal euthanasia and dimes the animal overpopulation in Maverick County. In addition, ProCo promotes shelter adoption and provides animal friendly activities for pets and their families. The group is solely volunteer-based and are able to accomplish their goals through grant funding, donations, and fundraisers.