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Residents urge review after video of animal control officer handling puppy
Summary
Three public commenters asked Beaumont city officials to investigate a video they said shows an animal-control officer handling a small puppy roughly. Speakers said the city's public statement contradicted the caller’s account and requested a transparent review, training and clearer policies on equipment use.
Three people who identified themselves as residents urged Beaumont city leaders on Tuesday to investigate a video they said shows an animal-control officer handling a small puppy roughly.
The request came during the public‑comment period of the Beaumont City Council meeting. Richard Udell, identified in the transcript as a resident, told the council the video shows “an animal control officer identified as John Trammell using a catch pull on a small puppy,” and that the caller who reported the dog told officials the animal was “playful” rather than aggressive.
“Trust is broken,” Udell said. He asked the council for “a transparent review of the incident with the findings shared publicly, clear policies on which catchpoles can be used and how, and additional handling and humane, intentional training.”
Jennifer Veil, another resident who spoke in person, said she had watched the same video and described the handling as “very disturbing,” calling it “abusive to the animal” and asking the council to “look into this guy and do something — retrain.”
A written submission from Elizabeth Colvin, who described herself in the emailed comment as a canine behavior expert with almost 20 years in local animal‑care work, said the dog “was not exhibiting aggressive behavior as the city has claimed” and called the employee’s actions “aggressive” and “borderline abusive.” Colvin asked that the employee be disciplined and that the city ensure training and standards match community expectations.
City staff did not announce any formal next steps during public comment. Clerk Nicole (recorded in the transcript as facilitating comments) reported there were no callers on the phone lines. The three speakers asked the council to make the findings public and to tighten training and equipment policy for animal‑control staff.
The council did not take action on the public comments during the meeting. The public‑comment statements are part of the official meeting record, and council members acknowledged the remarks before moving on to the agenda.
