A video showing a Beaumont animal control officer using excessive force on a dog has sparked widespread criticism. The footage, recorded on Friday at 1025 E. 6th Street in Beaumont, was first shared by Nikkie Thompson, an employee at a local business, and later reposted by The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation. According to Thompson, the young dog had wandered onto the business property, and she provided it with food and water while waiting for animal control to arrive.
When the officer arrived, he allegedly made dismissive remarks about the dog and reacted angrily when Thompson began recording his actions. The video shows the officer using a control pole, a tool designed to safely manage aggressive animals, to drag the dog and lift it into the vehicle with apparent excessive force. Thompson described the dog as "very sweet" and expressed her distress over the officer's behavior, stating, "The way he [the officer] spoke was disgusting—I walked into work crying and upset."
The incident has raised questions about the training and oversight of animal control officers in Beaumont. The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation praised Thompson for documenting the encounter, calling her a "hero." Efforts to report the incident to law enforcement have reportedly been unsuccessful, and local authorities have yet to respond to requests for comment. The video has ignited discussions about the need for better training and accountability for animal control officers in the area.
The City of Beaumont posted a statement on social media on Sunday saying the dog was 'safely removed, without injury' and was being housed at the animal control facility. It said, in part:
"We understand that videos and images shared online may have raised questions about the manner in which the sitaution was handled. We want to assure the public that our officers are trained professionals who often must make quick decisions in potentially dangerous situations. Their primary responsibility is to protect both the community and the animals involved. With that said, we take all community concerns seriously. We are currently reviewing the incident to ensure that our professional standards were followed and to determine if any additional training or procedural adjustments are necessary."
**WARNING - VIDEO SHOWS DISTURBING IMAGES**