Laredo Police Officer Shoots Dog Following Bite Incident as Department Reviews Use of Force

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

A family in Laredo, Texas, is raising questions after a police officer shot their dog in the snout following an alleged bite report. KGNS reported on the investigation on October 15, 2026.

The incident began when a 22-year-old man reported being bitten by the pit bull near Springfield Avenue and Olive Street before driving himself to an emergency room for treatment.

When police officers and animal control personnel located the animal to detain it, officials state the dog lunged toward them, prompting an officer to discharge a single round, striking the dog in the face.

Abel Mendoza, a family member of the dog’s owner, discovered the animal, named Cain, bloodied and spooked near the front of their home shortly after the shot was fired.

Mendoza questioned why non-lethal measures, such as pepper spray or a Taser, were not used to contain the situation. Police officials noted that officers did not carry pepper spray, leaving limited options during sudden lunges.

Cain was initially taken into custody by Animal Control before owner Misael Mendoza rushed him to a veterinary clinic. The dog survived the gunshot to the snout and is currently recovering, with veterinarians expecting him to survive.

Laredo Police Department Public Information Officer Investigator Joe Baeza emphasized pet owner responsibility, noting that Misael Mendoza faces three municipal citations in connection with the incident, while the internal review regarding the officer’s use of force remains ongoing.

My thoughts:

Encountering loose animals in public spaces creates high-stress situations for law enforcement, making standardized non-lethal equipment and animal handling protocols critical for avoiding firearm usage.

The debate over de-escalation tactics highlights the need for officers to carry comprehensive non-lethal tools, such as pepper spray or specialized animal restraint nets, when responding alongside animal control officers.

Responsible pet containment remains the primary line of defense to prevent conflict, protect neighbors, and keep pets safe from dangerous encounters with police.

Source: KGNS (Luis Enrique Vela) and Laredo Police Department