APD files search warrant after dead dogs found in South Austin Creek

Neighbors said they were horrified when they found nearly a dozen dead dogs in the creek. (Courtesy of Jason Brooks)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police officers served a search warrant in Travis County on Wednesday after several dead dogs were found near a residential area in south Austin on April 14.

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

The warrant related to data that could link a former resident of the area to an animal cruelty crime.

According to the warrant, Austin police requested electronic customer information from Meta Platforms, Inc. for a specific user account. APD said it believes the data sought in the search warrant is evidence of the crime or that the specific person committed it.

Court documents showed that 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 toilets or trash bags, while others were roaming freely,” the affidavit states.

Animal control also responded on site and helped remove the dogs from the area.

“Officers spoke with several concerned neighbors who claimed that (a) former resident … killed the dogs and left them in the creek,” an affidavit said.

According to the documents, one of the neighbors identified the previous residents to police.

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

Based on the investigation, APD said it believes the account owner committed animal cruelty after several dogs were found dead in a creek near her residence.