Warning: This story contains graphic information.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Brownsville family is searching for answers after their pet of nearly a decade was brutally killed with a “makeshift spear” in broad daylight.
A police investigation is underway after Chance, an 8-year-old Labrador mix, was killed in a neighborhood near the Four Corners area of Brownsville, with what appeared to be a homemade weapon.
ValleyCentral spoke with Chance’s owner, who requested we not use his name. He described Chance as a family member, and said he would get out from their backyard occasionally, but always knew his way back home. He said there were never any issues with Chance being violent.
On the day of the attack, Chance’s owner said he had returned home late from work, and decided to take a nap. According to him, nothing was out of the ordinary that day, Tuesday, June 4, and he had last seen Chance around 3 p.m.
Less than four hours later, he was woken up by a family member’s screams, saying their dog was dead in the front yard; the weapon still lodged inside the dog’s body. He described the weapon as a “makeshift spear.”
“We’re talking about a 4-inch knife, with a 2-inch handle with another 2 inches of PVC pipe inside of my dog,” he said. “I don’t even like to say the term dog, he was like my son.”
ValleyCentral viewed the photos of the aftermath, which appear to show Chance impaled by a kitchen blade attached to a PVC pipe near his abdomen.
Chance’s owner found blood stains along the street, and believe he was able to make it home despite the injuries before his passing.
“I can’t think of anyone who would want to do such a heinous crime, especially with something so horrific to that degree,” he said. “Not even around the neighborhood have we heard anyone having any trouble with my dog.”
ValleyCentral spoke with Detective Michael Parker with the Brownsville Police Department, who said the case is under investigation, and there are currently no suspects. Parker reminded the public that these crimes are not common.
“This is an isolated incident,” Parker said. “It’s not something that happens often.”
Cruelty to non-livestock animals is a third-degree felony, unless the suspect has been previously convicted, Parker said. Additionally, he shared advice to ensure safety of your pets.
“Make sure you keep your pets secured, keep an eye on them at all times and make sure they are within your premises,” Parker said. “And be vigilant of the surrounding areas and make sure nothing out of the ordinary is going on.”
Those with information are asked to contact the Brownsville Police Department, or Brownsville Crime Stoppers at (956) 546-TIPS (8477) if they would like to remain anonymous.
“He was my best bud, we did everything together,” Chance’s owner said. “I built such a great bond with him over the last eight years and it’s sad to see him go the way he did.”
Chance was buried in their backyard, with a plant placed above the gravesite.
