In Brookshire, Texas, a disturbing incident has prompted community outrage and a city-led investigation after cellphone footage surfaced showing a police officer chasing and fatally shooting a stray dog in Longenbaugh Park. The officer involved, who has not been publicly named, is now on administrative leave with pay while the city examines what happened.
The incident occurred last week but quickly gained widespread attention after a bystander’s video circulated across social media. Outraged citizens began demanding transparency, accountability, and swift action. The footage shows a chaotic scene where multiple people can be heard yelling, asserting that the dogs involved weren’t aggressive.
Brookshire Mayor Robert Richards addressed the public in a recorded statement, urging patience and promising a full investigation. “From what we understand, the officer said that the dog was kind of being aggressive in the park,” Richards explained. “But right now, things are still under investigation.”
Animal rescuer Jessica Walthall was among the first on the scene and described the moment as deeply traumatic. “It kind of looked like they were trying to run the dog over,” she recalled. “I finally pulled up to one of the officers and said, ‘I do animal rescue for a living.’ Moments later, we heard 10 gunshots.”
According to Walthall and other witnesses, there were three dogs involved. One dog was shot and killed, a second was struck by a passing vehicle, and the third, later named Thalia, was rescued and is now being cared for by Belles Buds Rescue.
Tammy Livingston, co-owner of the rescue, said that the trauma extended beyond the shooting. “We do have one sweet female puppy. The only surviving one. Her mother was shot by Brookshire police… also Waller County Animal Control Wednesday early evening. After that the two pups were on the run, scared, and one was hit by a car and killed on Highway 90. Very sad and was all unnecessary.”
Waller County Animal Control confirmed that they had responded to the situation but could not release further details as the case is still being investigated.
This incident has stirred deep frustration among local animal welfare advocates who feel that city officials have long neglected the needs of stray animals. Walthall, who has spent over a decade in local rescue work, expressed concern about the way Brookshire handles strays. “It’s been 10 years of us watching either dogs be ignored or picked up knowing they’re going to be euthanized,” she said. “Yes, we have a stray dog issue, but not like this. This went too far.”
The mayor acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation and the backlash brewing on social media. “That is the reason I chose to come out and do this video,” Richards explained. “I’ve always said that the City of Brookshire will be transparent with the citizens. Give us some time to get the investigation done. We’re working expeditiously.”
While Richards asked the community not to rush to judgment, he also acknowledged that conflicting accounts of the events need to be resolved with a complete and fair investigation. “It’s unfortunate, and that was a short part of what was seen,” he said. “We want the entire picture. That’s why we need to do a proper investigation.”
There is currently no timeline for when the city’s investigation will be completed, but Richards said that additional information may be released in the coming days.
Meanwhile, animal rescue groups like Belles Buds Rescue are doing their part to offer safety and healing to the remaining pup. Thalia, the only survivor of the trio, is receiving veterinary care and will soon be ready for adoption. She has already captured the hearts of her caregivers.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure she knows she’s safe now,” Livingston said.
This tragic incident has not only ignited debate over how law enforcement responds to stray animals, but also opened the door for deeper conversations about accountability, transparency, and humane practices in small-town policing.
Residents are now calling for reform in how animal control calls are handled, particularly when law enforcement is involved. Walthall believes the community is at a turning point. “To hear a mayor actually wants to come in and investigate a crime to an animal really makes us feel a little better,” she said. “But animals shouldn’t be shot point-blank when all they’re trying to do is survive.”
What began as a call to address a group of strays has now grown into a pivotal moment for the city of Brookshire. Whether the officer’s actions are ultimately deemed justifiable or not, the public’s demand for justice — and for better treatment of animals — remains louder than ever.
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
Toledo, United States.