Target: Josh Tetens, Criminal District Attorney, McLennan County, Texas
Goal: Pursue maximum penalties, a lifetime animal-ownership ban, and full restitution for a dog seen in a reportedly abusive video.
A widely shared video triggered an investigation into alleged cruelty toward a dog later ordered seized by a court. Officials reportedly confirmed the animal would not be returned to its prior owner. An officer has adopted the dog, now named “Chase,” while the underlying criminal case reportedly proceeds. Even with the dog safe, the conduct captured on video allegedly shows violence that calls for firm legal consequences.
Investigators reportedly acted after the footage surfaced from a local business camera. The recording allegedly depicts handling harsh enough to prompt immediate scrutiny and a civil seizure hearing. The court then ruled the dog could be taken into protective custody. Such facts suggest an urgent need to ensure criminal accountability follows, not only civil relief, for an animal that appears to have suffered harm.
Visible accountability deters copycats and protects animals. Sign below to demand prosecutors seek the highest penalties supported by evidence, along with a lifetime prohibition on owning or supervising animals, unannounced compliance checks, and court-ordered counseling where appropriate. Restitution should repay veterinary exams, care, and agency costs tied to the response. Clear action here will signal that alleged cruelty carries real consequences beyond a single custody ruling.
PETITION LETTER:
District Attorney Tetens,
We are encouraged that a court ordered the dog at the center of a suspected cruelty video to be seized and placed safely, yet the need for justice remains. The footage and investigative findings reportedly indicate conduct that merits a strong prosecutorial stance.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue every charge supported by the evidence and to seek maximum lawful penalties at disposition. Please request a lifetime ban on owning, keeping, breeding, or supervising animals upon conviction, together with no-contact orders, unannounced compliance checks, and counseling where the court deems appropriate.
We also ask that you seek restitution to cover veterinary examinations and care, boarding, and other public costs incurred during the case. A visible, proportionate outcome will help prevent future cruelty and affirm that the system protects vulnerable animals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Eva Holderegger Walser
