AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department's Animal Cruelty and Animal Protection units are investigating after dead dogs were found in a South Austin creek this week.
On Sunday, neighbors living on Shiloh Drive near Menchaca Road reported finding the bodies of 11 dogs in South Boggy Creek.
On Wednesday night, those neighbors hosted a memorial for the dogs, saying many of them are pet owners themselves and they can't imagine how someone could not love and care for their companions.
“I walk this neighborhood every day, every single day, and just to think somebody would do something so horrific is just heart wrenching,” neighbor Mary Galer said.
Austin police told KVUE the investigation into the dogs' deaths is still in its early stages, so they can't give many details yet.
Animal Cruelty is a felony punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison.