On the night of December 17, 2024, the Weatherford Police Department (WPD) responded to two separate 911 calls reporting two aggressive dogs attacking humans and other animals. The calls were made at 11:03 p.m., with the callers stating that the dogs had already caused injuries to their pets. Officers were dispatched immediately, and animal control was also requested, though they reported an estimated 25-minute response time.
WPD policy allows officers to intervene in animal-related incidents if there is a threat to public safety, someone has been bitten, or another animal is seriously injured. Given the reported aggression and injuries, officers responded to the scene while animal control was en route.
Upon arrival, officers found one of the dogs had already left the area. Two dogs, both covered in blood, were still fighting. A less lethal option, a taser, was deployed in an attempt to safely separate the animals. The owners of the dogs were able to remove one of the animals from the fight. The officer repeatedly asked the owner of the second dog, a white pit bull, to leash the animal for control, but the request was not fulfilled.
The situation escalated as the pit bull broke free from the taser probes and ran into a nearby neighborhood, creating a further risk to public safety and other animals. After assessing the threat, officers determined that the dog needed to be contained immediately. Unable to subdue the dog with the taser, officers ultimately shot the dog to prevent further harm.
Interim Chief Jason Hayes addressed the incident, stating, "This type of call is one that no officer wishes to be a part of, yet we are committed to responding when our community members need help. The safety of the public and our community will always be the priority for our officers."
WPD Detectives are currently investigating potential criminal charges related to the incident. Additionally, an internal review of the officers' use of force is underway. The Texas Rangers have been invited to review the incident to provide an independent assessment of the officers' actions.
The Weatherford Police Department remains committed to transparency in this case and all future investigations.
