CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Animal Wellness Action is condemning a disturbing act of cruelty that occurred in Corpus Christi, where a person allegedly set a neighbor’s dog on fire, resulting in the dog’s death. The Corpus Christi Police Department and Animal Care Services have launched an investigation into the case.
Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, issued the following statement:
“This kind of intentional, premeditated cruelty is horrifying to the core and demands swift and severe consequences. To deliberately set an innocent dog on fire is not only an act of unspeakable violence but a warning sign of a deeply disturbed individual capable of further harm. Animal cruelty is often a precursor to other forms of violence, and it’s essential that law enforcement and prosecutors treat this case with the gravity it deserves.”
Texas law recognizes aggravated animal cruelty as a felony offense, and Animal Wellness Action is urging prosecutors to use every tool available to hold the offender fully accountable. This case in Killeen is a powerful reminder that cruelty to animals is not just a matter of compassion—it’s a matter of public safety and moral urgency. Prosecutors, lawmakers, and citizens must act decisively when these horrific crimes occur.
The Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act aims to bolster the federal government’s response to animal cruelty crimes in the United States. Building on a series of congressional actions that have strengthened the legal framework against the abuse of animals, the ACE Act would create a dedicated division within the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance the investigation, enforcement and prosecution of felony animal cruelty cases. The unit would focus on complex, multi-jurisdictional crimes such as dogfighting, cockfighting and severe individual acts of cruelty, including the recent case in Texas.
“It’s not enough to express outrage — we need stronger enforcement, tougher laws, and dedicated federal resources to address this persistent and escalating cruelty,” added Pacelle. “The ACE Act would help ensure that these egregious crimes are investigated with