Austin police issued two violations to the owners of the dogs in South Austin the day the video was recorded: one for violating a city ordinance and one for cruelty to animals.
Animal control gave the owners nine citations and 16 violations on Nov. 5. The owners were cited because none of the nine dogs at the home had rabies vaccinations, and seven were too close to neighbors because they are kept outside.
“These dogs are in the backyard and they never do anything they rarely even feed them,” said Holly Whittaker, who filmed the dog’s death on Oct. 30.
Neighbors said the citations are not enough.
"Austin Animal control officers can only issue up to a class C misdemeanor so if there's something more severe or active animal cruelty it then goes to the police department,” said Austin Animal Control Officer Dave Ackerman.
Ackerman also said there is not much authorities can do beyond the citations.
“If we’re focusing on this particular case, the bulk of those violations are not having rabies,” he said. “Ultimately not having rabies vaccines where it is a violation of city ordinance, not vaccinating your dog for rabies is not exactly animal cruelty.”
Animal control does not consider the dogs to be dangerous or vicious because they did not attack or kill the other dog outside of their yard.
The goal is to keep the dogs out of a shelter.
“We’d much rather have them stay with their owner and get a better quality of life rather than taking them away,” said Ackerman.
People who need to file a complaint about animals or help getting vaccines can call 311.
(KVUE - Nov 19, 2015)
No comments:
Post a Comment