Windcrest officials discuss Texas WE ACT and allegations of employee mistreatment

The Windcrest City Ethics Commission convened on December 13, 2024, to address serious allegations involving the city's animal control operations and the Texas WE ACT organization. Central to the discussions was the relationship between Texas WE ACT and the city's animal control officers, with claims of mistreatment and inappropriate conduct surfacing during the meeting.

Chief Cole reported concerns from employees about being mistreated by members of Texas WE ACT, which has been involved in various animal control issues and adoption events. He emphasized his responsibility to protect his staff, indicating that he had taken steps to limit interactions between his employees and certain members of the organization due to these complaints.

The meeting also highlighted a specific incident involving Pamela Dodson, a representative of Texas WE ACT, who was accused of engaging in abusive conduct towards city employees. Chief Cole noted that while he could not recall specific names, the overall atmosphere had been troubling, particularly regarding a mix-up involving the gender of a dog that had upset staff members.

Dodson, in her defense, questioned the lack of an initial inquiry into the allegations against her and Texas WE ACT, suggesting that if proper procedures had been followed, the current proceedings might have been avoided. She expressed concern over the reputational damage to Texas WE ACT, which she claimed was being unfairly portrayed as under criminal investigation.

The meeting concluded with Dodson seeking clarity on the complaints against her organization, emphasizing the need for context in understanding the situation. As the commission continues to deliberate on these issues, the implications for both the city’s animal control operations and the relationship with Texas WE ACT remain significant, with potential impacts on community trust and animal welfare initiatives in Windcrest.