At a glance

  • Laredo Police say officers found the dog alive in south Laredo on August 27 after a citizen reported seeing him.
  • Police described the dog as tame but malnourished, with a minor injury to one leg.
  • The dog is receiving veterinary care through Laredo Animal Care Services.
  • Maria Teresa Garcia, 60, was arrested August 26 and charged with cruelty to non livestock animals, a Class A misdemeanor, according to police.
  • The charge is an allegation. The available reports do not describe a conviction or finding of guilt.

The dog at the center of a Laredo animal cruelty investigation has been found alive. Laredo Police said officers Ali Cavazos and Jorge Sanchez located him in south Laredo on August 27 after a citizen tip, then stayed with him until animal care staff arrived.

KGNS and the Laredo Morning Times independently reported the rescue and attributed the dog’s condition and recovery status to Laredo Police. Both outlets say he was malnourished and had a minor leg injury. He is now receiving veterinary care.

The investigation began August 21

Police received a report near Pine Street and South Bartlett Avenue on August 21. Images shared with investigators showed a dog in the bed of a white pickup with restraints and a cloth over the head, according to the two local reports.

Two bystanders removed the restraints before officers reached the location. The dog then ran away. Earlier police reporting described the dog as a possible heeler mix.

License plate cameras produced a lead

Laredo Police said investigators used Flock Safety license plate cameras to develop leads and identify the pickup. Officers then connected Garcia with the vehicle, according to both reports.

Police served the arrest warrant on August 26. The Laredo Morning Times reports that Garcia posted a $10,000 bond and was released that day. The reports reviewed do not provide a hearing date.

A citizen tip led officers to the dog

Police said a citizen reported seeing the dog in south Laredo on August 27. Officers Cavazos and Sanchez found him a short time later and remained with him until Laredo Animal Care Services arrived.

The police account described the dog as tame despite what had happened. The Laredo Morning Times and KGNS both report that he was malnourished and had a minor leg injury. Neither report describes a more serious diagnosis, and his longer term recovery timeline has not been announced.

The dog is now receiving care

Laredo Animal Care Services has custody of the dog while he receives veterinary attention. KGNS reports that the shelter plans to keep him under medical observation until he is healthy enough for a permanent home. No adoption date or placement decision has been announced.

What remains unresolved

The dog’s rescue resolves the search, but the criminal case remains open. The public reports establish an arrest and filed charge, not guilt, and they do not provide a final court outcome.

Sources

How we reported this: Buddylio reviewed the named sources, checked the organizations and figures shown above, and added context for animal lovers. Any illustration is labeled and does not depict the actual animals or scene. This report was updated on August 28, 2026. The dog had been found alive and was receiving veterinary care. Garcia had been charged, but no finding of guilt or final court outcome was reported. Articles are editorial content, not veterinary advice.