Resident reports repeated dog attacks, urges stronger animal control response

During the public‑comment period April 16, Harlingen residents described repeated incidents involving loose dogs and asked the commission to increase animal‑control enforcement and neighborhood support.

Connie Reese, who said she has a brain injury, recounted multiple recent incidents in which loose dogs chased and in one case bit her dog and caused injury. Reese gave dates and locations for several encounters, including a July 15, 2023 incident in which she said she was thrown from a scooter and suffered serious injuries; she also said a more recent incident in February 2025 left her motorcycle towed and unrecovered. Reese told the commission residents on multiple streets have dogs that run loose and said pedestrians no longer feel safe walking. In the meeting transcript she said, “Sent me here for the community because I'm gonna have a gun and I'm gonna shoot all of them.”

Business owner Raymond Reyes also spoke in support of stronger city action. Reyes thanked Commissioner Lopez and city staff for addressing a public‑safety concern raised about specific lighting and said he had property damage estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars and was awaiting EDC review of grant applications. Reyes praised streets and lights staff and asked the city to do more to help citizens facing losses tied to recent events.

Mayor Norma Sepulveda responded that staff had taken note of Reese’s contact information and that staff would follow up; she said commission rules limit immediate deliberation on matters not on the agenda but that staff would reach out to the speakers for next steps.

The commission did not take immediate formal action on animal‑control policy during the meeting. Staff and the mayor committed to follow up with the residents to collect details and coordinate appropriate responses.