A dog is now under the protection of Austin Animal Services following the release of a viral video that depicted a man abusing the animal on a balcony.
The incident involved a dog named Boone, who was seen being struck with a belt and cornered using chairs, as captured by a resident at the SEVEN Apartments in downtown Austin. The harrowing footage has ignited widespread outrage across social media platforms.
“We want our furry friends to be in loving, compassionate homes and not have to experience that type of treatment,” stated Rebekha Montie, program manager for animal protection at Austin Animal Services.
Anonymous witnesses have reported that this abuse was not an isolated event. “Nothing’s going to change unless we have advocates in the community who are reporting these types of incidents,” Montie added.
The Austin Police Department (APD) responded to the apartment following the video’s release. Their Animal Cruelty Unit reviewed the footage and concluded that the actions depicted aligned with unwarranted pain and suffering inflicted on the dog.
Criminal defense attorney Jeremy Rosenthal emphasized the legal ramifications of such actions in Texas. He pointed out that cruelty to non-livestock animals can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor in cases of neglect, while intentional cruelty may escalate to a state jail felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to two years. More severe cases, such as animal torture, could result in a third-degree felony charge, leading to penalties ranging from two to ten years in prison.
Currently, Boone remains in the care of Austin Animal Services, where he has been evaluated and found to be in generally good health. The agency will retain custody of the dog until a judge determines his future placement, whether that be for adoption or transfer to a rescue partner.
“Usually, if the dog has been deemed unfit to return to its owner, it is considered the property of Austin Animal Services. We will then develop the best plan for the animal moving forward,” Montie explained.
Austin Animal Services has urged the public to report any suspicious behavior by calling 311 or contacting local police if an animal is in immediate danger. Rosenthal added, “Even if it’s a first-time offense, individuals who abuse or harm animals will face serious consequences, as law enforcement and prosecutors maintain a zero-tolerance policy in these cases.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and the APD has yet to release any details regarding the suspect involved in this troubling case.
