APD files search warrant after dead dogs found in south Austin creek

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Law enforcement officials filed a search warrant Wednesday in Travis County after multiple dead dogs were found near a south Austin residential area April 14.

Neighbors previously told KXAN they found 11 dead dogs in South Boggy Creek.

PAST COVERAGE | Neighbors say dead dogs found in creek, police investigating

The warrant was for data that could connect a past resident of the area to an offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals.

According to the warrant, the Austin Police Department requested electronic customer data from Meta Platforms, Inc. for a specific user account. APD said it believed the data sought by the search warrant was evidence of the offense or that the particular person committed it.

Court documents showed on April 14, APD officers responded to an “Animal Urgent” call in the 2100 block of Shiloh Drive after someone found dead dogs in a creek behind a residence in the area.

“The dogs were surrounded by household trash, some wrapped in pee pads or trash bags, while others were floating freely,” the affidavit said.

Animal Protection also responded to the scene to help remove the dogs from the area.

“Officers spoke with several concerned neighbors, who alleged that [a] former resident … had killed the dogs and left them in the creek,” an affidavit said.

One of the neighbors identified the previous residents to the police, according to documents.

During a social media search utilizing the names provided, the warrant said APD found an account with pictures of dogs similar to the ones found dead at the creek.

Based on the investigation, APD said it believed the account owner committed cruelty to non-livestock animals after several dogs were found dead in a creek near their residence.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.