SOMERVILLE, Texas (KBTX) – Somerville residents are looking for answers following what they call ‘suspicious’ deaths of two dogs this week. The dogs’ family say they believe their deaths were intentional.
Shaun Preston told KBTX he discovered his dogs, Rylie and Koda, in a state of seizure outside his home this Wednesday.
“That’s a terrible way to die,” Preston said.
Preston said he found the dogs after receiving a call from a neighbor saying they saw the pets eating something outside.
When Preston went to check out his property for what the dogs could have eaten, he found a burrito stuffed with meat – and what he believes to be poisonous berries.
“Right there… It was sitting that burrito, perfectly placed,” he described.
The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is currently investigating the deaths. Chief Deputy Bill Rios told KBTX this is the first case of intentional animal poisoning he’s seen in the county.
“Yeah, it’s not right. I’m an animal lover myself. I have my two dogs at the house, and I’d be quite upset if somebody tried to poison my dogs,” offered Rios.
This case is classified as animal cruelty, which according to BCSO, is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years plus a fine of up to $10,000.
“I don’t understand how someone can be that sick and cruel,” Preston shared.
Preston and his neighbors off County Road 278 told KBTX they won’t back down until a suspect is identified. They want to find justice for the dogs and keep the other pets in the neighborhood safe.
“We got the whole neighborhood out for your butt,” he addressed a possible suspect. “So, if you come back, you’re gonna get found.”
This investigation remains active. In the meantime, the sheriff’s offices said it would encourage residents to come forward with any helpful information.
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