Family seeks answers after dog killed with ‘improvised spear’

Editor’s Note: This story contains details that may be disturbing to some. Reader discretion is requested.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (KVEO) — A family in Brownsville, Texas is searching for answers after their dog was brutally killed with an “improvised spear” in broad daylight.

Police say they are investigating the death of Chance, an 8-year-old Labrador mix.

Nexstars KVEO spoke with Chance’s owner, who wished to remain anonymous. He described Chance as a member of the family and said that although he occasionally came out of the yard, he always knew the way home and there had never been any problems with the dog being violent.

On the day of the attack, June 4, Chance’s owner said he came home late from work and decided to take a nap. He didn’t notice anything unusual that day and last saw Chance around 3 p.m.

Less than four hours later, he was awakened by the screams of a family member who said their dog was dead in the front yard, with the gun still in the dog’s body. He described the weapon as an “improvised spear.”

“We’re talking about a 4-inch knife with a 2-inch handle and another 2-inch PVC pipe in my dog,” he said. “I don’t even like to say the word dog, he was like my son.”

KVEO has reviewed photos from the episode, which show Chance being impaled by a kitchen knife attached to a PVC pipe near his stomach.

Chance’s owner found bloodstains along the road and believes that despite his injuries, the dog made it home before he died.

“I can’t imagine anyone committing such a heinous crime, especially if it was so cruel,” he said. “Not even in the neighborhood have we heard of anyone having problems with my dog.”

KVEO spoke with Detective Michael Parker of the Brownsville Police Department, who said the case is under investigation and there are currently no suspects. Parker reminded the public that crimes like this are not common.

“This is an isolated incident,” Parker said. “It doesn’t happen often.”

Cruelty to other animals is a third-degree crime unless the suspect has been previously convicted, Parker said, offering advice to other pet owners.

“Make sure your pets are secured, keep an eye on them at all times, make sure they are on your property,” Parker said. “And be aware of the surroundings and make sure nothing unusual is happening.”

Anyone with information about Chance’s death is asked to contact the Brownsville Police Department or Brownsville Crime Stoppers at (956) 546-TIPS (8477) if they wish to remain anonymous.

“He was my best buddy, we did everything together,” said Chance’s owner. “I’ve built such a great bond with him over the last eight years and it’s sad to see him go like this.”

Chance was buried in her backyard and a plant was placed over the grave.