A brief, graphic video making the rounds on social media appears to show a man throwing a dog into a West El Paso street and then punching and kicking the animal. City animal officials say two dogs are now in custody, and investigators have identified the man seen on camera.
According to KDBC/CBS4, the clip — credited to the FitFam account — reportedly captured the attack Sunday night on Vin La Roda Drive near the Elmont Swim Club. The video appears to show the man throwing the dog into traffic before striking it. El Paso Animal Services confirmed the two dogs were taken into custody and the suspect has been located, and the El Paso Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Unit is investigating, the station reported.
Officials say the animals are in custody
El Paso Animal Services and police animal‑cruelty detectives routinely coordinate in cases like this and stress that quick tips can be key to identifying suspects. As outlined by El Paso Animal Services, the shelter’s protection field team works with the El Paso Police Department to seize animals, pursue charges, and care for victims while investigations unfold. Seized animals are evaluated and sheltered during the legal process, the agency notes.
What the law allows
Under Texas law, cruelty to non‑livestock animals is a prosecutable offense that can rise to a felony depending on the abuse and any prior convictions. Lawmakers recently expanded the statute to include criminal negligence as a basis for prosecution, broadening how severe cases may be charged, according to an analysis by the Texas Legislature. In short, reckless or negligent acts that cause serious injury or death to an animal can now figure into felony charging decisions.
How to report and what you can do
Anyone with information about the video or the incident is urged to contact authorities. El Paso Animal Services and police ask residents to report suspected cruelty by calling 311, or dial 911 if cruelty is in progress. As El Paso Animal Services emphasizes, community tips and eyewitness statements often help identify suspects and preserve evidence. If you recorded footage, keep the original file and share it with investigators rather than widely reposting, to protect evidence and chain of custody.
Authorities have not announced whether charges will be filed. The investigation remains active, and we’ll update this report as police or animal‑services officials release more information.
