Austin police have made significant progress in the case of the 15 dead dogs found in South Boggy Creek. Two individuals, Fred John Riess and Rafael Cantu Baez-Riess, have been arrested and are facing serious charges related to animal cruelty. The details of this case may be disturbing to some readers, so please proceed with caution.
According to court documents, the suspects moved out of their Shiloh Drive home in April, leaving behind a disturbing scene. Neighbors discovered the lifeless bodies of 15 dogs in the creek behind the property. The animals were surrounded by household trash, indicating a hasty and negligent disposal.
The suspects’ realtor reported seeing several dogs inside the home a month before they moved out, as well as ducks in the backyard during the final walk-through. Despite offering assistance in relocating any animals, the suspects declined help. This raises serious concerns about their treatment of the animals in their care.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects left behind trash bins filled with medical wrapping similar to the material found around the deceased dogs in the creek. Additionally, a trail of wood shavings near the water matched those found in the suspects’ backyard, further implicating them in the cruel treatment of the animals.
The shocking details of this case do not end there. When interviewed by authorities, Rafael Cantu Baez-Riess admitted to a disturbing practice of storing deceased dogs in the freezer until arrangements could be made for cremation. A subsequent search of the suspects’ new residence uncovered more deceased animals, some of which were wrapped in plastic bags from a popular fast-food chain.
The complexity of this investigation required the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Austin Animal Center, Austin Watershed Protection, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Crimes Unit, the Assistant District Attorney’s Office, and various police departments. The collaborative effort of these organizations was crucial in bringing the suspects to justice.
The Animal Cruelty Unit at the Austin Police Department played a vital role in uncovering the truth behind this heinous crime. With only two detectives and one civilian staffer, the unit worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the individuals responsible for the senseless deaths of these innocent animals.
The arrest of Fred John Riess and Rafael Cantu Baez-Riess serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting animal cruelty and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. It is essential that we remain vigilant in protecting the welfare of all living creatures and seek justice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
