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Residents demand independent probe after dog 'Butter' died in Cibolo Animal Services custody
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Summary
Multiple residents told the council that Cibolo Animal Services failed Butter, a dog taken into city custody in December 2024, and called for an independent third‑party investigation, full records release, and personnel policy and training changes.
Jordan Campos told the Cibolo City Council on April 14 that her dog Butter suffered catastrophic injuries while in the custody of Cibolo Animal Services and was later euthanized. "On 12/19/2024, Butter was at home inside our fenced yard ... She was healthy, safe," Campos said. She described photos and videos that she said show Butter with a broken jaw, internal bleeding and blindness and said the city’s internal review amounted to "2 sentences" that did not explain the animal’s injuries. "I'm asking for 3 things: an independent third party investigation, the release of all records from that day, and most importantly, policy changes and retraining for all personnel involved," Campos said.
Jordan’s father, Ruben Mendez, supported the family's account and described additional evidence: "We have pictures ... blood on the wall, blood on the floor," he said, and urged the council to take personnel action in executive session if needed. Several other speakers in the public‑comment period raised concerns about the shelter's practices and cited a local news investigation as eroding their confidence in the city’s animal services.
Mayor Karen Latimer acknowledged the family's pain and said council members "hear your concern," but cautioned that personnel matters have public‑meeting limits under the city charter. "That does not mean that the situation is being ignored," she said, adding that the matter "must be reviewed through proper channels."
What residents asked for: the family and allied commenters requested (1) an independent, third‑party investigation rather than another internal review; (2) public release of records from the day Butter entered city custody; and (3) policy changes and retraining so similar incidents do not recur.
What the council said and next steps: Council members did not announce a formal corrective action or vote on the record during the meeting. Mayor Latimer and staff indicated they will review the concerns and follow personnel‑process constraints; residents pressed council members to consider executive‑session options and to provide transparent follow‑up. The council returned from a later executive session and reported no action had been taken in closed session.
Context: Several citizens told the council they found the city's internal report inadequate and urged outside review and greater transparency. Councilmembers and staff noted limits on what they can discuss publicly when personnel matters are involved, and asked staff for follow‑up on the family's requests.
