Full Notification

(HOUSTON, TX) - Charges have been filed against a man who shot and killed a dog at the Bay Area Dog Park in January of this year.

Joseph Potts, 26, is charged with one count of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animal. He is not yet in custody.

On January 25, 2015, HCSO deputies responded to the park in southeast Harris County after witnesses saw Mr. Potts, a concealed handgun license holder, shoot a dog he claimed threatened his safety, that of his wife, and of his two dogs.

The case was presented to the Harris County District Attorney's Office and the charge was filed today.

The HCSO takes this opportunity to remind the public that
Harris County animal regulations state that “All dogs and cats must be kept under restraint while in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas. The custodian of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, harbor or keep any unlicensed dog or cat, nor to allow any dog or cat to become a stray.”

Restraint is defined as “the control of a dog or cat under the following circumstances:
1. When it is controlled by a line or leash not more than six (6) feet in length, if the line or leash is held by a human being, who is capable of controlling or governing the dog or cat in question
2. When it is within a fully enclosed vehicle
3. When it is on the premise of the custodian and the animal does not have access to sidewalk or street.”

For more information please visit www.hcphes.org.