Another Wonderful Deed by the Hays County Police

Missy died en route to an emergency vet clinic in New Braunfels, Texas

“I really don’t care about your damn dog!” statement made by San Marcos police officer Paul Stephens

At about midnight on August 5, 2008 Michael Gonzalez and Krystal Hernandez were racing their choking tea- cup poodle Missy to the New Braunfels animal emergency clinic when they were pulled over and detained by San Marcos police officer Paul Stephens.

Because Michael Gonzalez was visibly upset officer Stephens actually asked him “what are you on?” Then proceeded to want to know what was wrong with the man! Obviously Officer Stephens has never loved a dog. The final blow is when Stephens callously says, “It’s just a dog. You can buy another one. Relax.”

Officer Stephens not only had no understanding or compassion for the plight of the dog but his cold, callous attitude came over loud and clear on the raw video tape of the scene.

This attitude that animals are just property—and nothing more—is so prevalent in this good ol’ boy state of Texas. This is the same Hays County police department that so kindly checked on the dog chained up for the rest of its life with no chance of parole. These cops have no place representing the public who pays their salaries. At the very least, they certainly need to take a few courses on how to be compassionate.

For handling this situation in this manner officer Stephens received an oral reprimand from Police Chief Howard Williams.

The Houston Chronicle story makes it sound like poor officer Stephens is now the victim because he has received death threats. The San Marcos Mayor, Susan Narvaiz, steps up to the plate and states that the threats against the officer are “extremely unfortunate.” “Without question, the situation was not handled very well by Officer Stephens. But the characterization of the story has led to death threats against the officer and his family,” Narvaiz said.

And to top it all off the department pulls the Iraq war vet card, as if this will somehow raise Stephen’s reputation in the public eye. No dice. Not for me. The video footage does not lie, this officer is cold, cruel, and harsh.

I for one do not blame Gonzalez and Hernandez for filing a complaint against the San Marcos Police Department. This situation should never have happened.

The comments posted below the Houston Chronicle story appear to side with this officer’s handling of the situation. It is apparent to me that none of these people watched the raw video footage of the event and heard the way officer Stephens addressed Mr. Gonzalez.

Here’s one comment posted below the story:

It is just a dog. And an irritating poodle to boot. I nominated the officer for Peace Officer of the Year.

I only hope that this department will treat humans and their pets more kindly in the future.

Read more and watch the raw video from the traffic stop