Austin Residents Shocked by Dog Deaths Linked to Recent Arrests
In a deeply troubling case out of Austin, Texas, two individuals are facing serious legal consequences after the shocking discovery of multiple dead dogs earlier this year. Back in April, local authorities stumbled upon the lifeless bodies of 15 dogs in South Boggy Creek, a scene that left many residents heartbroken and enraged. Fast forward six months, and the story has taken a pivotal turn with the arrest of Fred John Riess and Rafael Cantu Baez-Riess, both now facing felony charges along with numerous misdemeanors in connection with these horrific events.
What Happened? A Timeline
Let’s rewind a bit to April 13. The Riess family abruptly moved out of their home located on Shiloh Drive in South Austin. Just a day later, neighbors made the grim discovery of the dead dogs in the creek. The local realtor, who was involved in their property sale, shared some alarming details. She spotted various animals—including dogs that looked like Miniature Pinschers—while showing the house. Concerned for the animals’ welfare, she reportedly asked the couple if they needed help finding homes for them, but Fred Riess declined.
When police arrived on the scene, the distressing conditions surrounding the deceased dogs were evident. Some of the animals had been hastily wrapped in pet pee pads while others lay in trash bags and Whataburger takeout containers. It appeared these dogs had been disposed of in a manner that suggested a quick and unsettling clean-up as they vacated their home.
The Investigation Unfolds
As the investigation progressed, it drew attention from multiple agencies, including the Austin Animal Center and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Crimes Unit. The police discovered remnants of the couple’s hastily abandoned belongings, which included trash containing medical wrappings similar to those around the deceased dogs.
Fast forward to April 22, and the Austin Police Department had gathered enough evidence to issue 28 arrest warrants for both Riess and Baez-Riess. The two were ultimately captured in June in Milam County, where they had relocated.
What They Said
During police questioning, Rafael revealed a startling practice regarding how they dealt with their pets after they passed away. He explained that, rather than cremating the animals immediately, Fred suggested they keep the bodies in the freezer until they could afford the cremation fees. When police asked about the whereabouts of these animals, Rafael assured them that they had been moved to their new home, where they would find yet more deceased pets stashed in the freezer.
Upon executing a search warrant at their new residence, investigators indeed discovered small breed dogs wrapped in plastic and even more deceased animals encased in bags similar to those found in the creek. The horrific nature of these findings has left the community in shock.
The Legal Ramifications
This case has spiraled into a myriad of animal cruelty charges against both men, with as many as 13 counts filed in Travis County alone. The seriousness of the situation cannot be understated. The third-degree felony charge could lead to a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 10 years, not to mention a hefty fine that could amount to $10,000.
As the investigation continues, many in the Austin community are left grappling with the grotesque nature of this case. With various law enforcement and animal welfare organizations involved, it has become clear that more attention needs to be directed towards protecting vulnerable animals in situations like this.
The Road Ahead
For now, the community awaits updates on the legal proceedings against Fred John Riess and Rafael Cantu Baez-Riess as they deal with the fallout of their alleged actions. The investigation serves as a heart-wrenching reminder that animal welfare must be taken seriously and that there will be legal consequences for those who neglect or mistreat these innocent creatures.
