The popular social media account We Rate Dogs drew national attention this week after sharing the story of an El Paso family who said U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed their dog during a search for migrants.
According to KFOX 14, the incident occurred on September 9 at the home of Seth Daw in El Paso’s Upper Valley. Daw said agents in plain clothes arrived early that morning, saying they were investigating a tip about undocumented migrants. He told them he would allow a search but first needed to secure his seven-year-old Rottweiler, Chop, in the bathroom for safety.
The family said that while Daw went to retrieve his identification, one of the agents entered the house, opened the bathroom door, and shot Chop. The dog died after nearly an hour, and the family alleges the agents did not help render aid or identify themselves.
Attorney Marisa Ong, representing the Daw family, called the shooting “senseless, cruel, and entirely avoidable,” and confirmed that the family has filed a federal claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
“This is not law enforcement. This is abuse of power,” said Ong.
In a statement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed a “use-of-force incident involving a canine” and said it is under review by the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
The story has since gained significant traction online, after We Rate Dogs shared Chop’s story.
The post was widely circulated with the hashtag #JusticeForChop, prompting El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to comment that her office is in communication with CBP and will seek accountability, as reported KFOX14.
