Cruel Crime

Texas firefighter arrested, kicked off force for shooting neighbor's dogs: Posted Facebook pics of dead pets

Tim Conatser, a volunteer firefighter in Royse City, was arrested for animal cruelty.

Photo courtesy of Hunt County

Timothy Conatser, a former volunteer firefighter for Royse City in North Texas, was arrested on two counts of felony animal cruelty after bragging on Facebook that he'd shot two dogs. Conatser, 20, turned himself in to the Hunt County jail on Wednesday.

Conatser is alleged to have shot his neighbor's two dogs for crossing onto his property. He posted photos of the dead dogs, with a caption that read, "Somebody didn't put any truth to my warning. Keep your [dang] dogs on your property."

The firefighter claimed the dogs attacked livestock in his barn. Conatser was a volunteer firefighter with the Union Valley Fire Department, who suspended him from the force after the incident became public. He's since been removed from their roster.

"This man will have to prove the dogs posed a threat to him or his other animals on the property."

Jill Sulak, a North Texas animal advocate, said that the case would be interesting to watch because Conatser lives outside the city limits.

"The offense did not occur within the jurisdiction of Royse City, and what makes that important is that Hunt County does not have any ordinance requiring pets be confined to own property," Sulak says.

"To avoid animal cruelty charges, this man will have to prove the dogs posed a threat to him or his other animals on the property."

The charges are state felonies, with a maximum sentence of from 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

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Running With the Pack

Miles, smiles, and tails take over Memorial Park Thursdays with the Houston SPCA Run Club

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

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As Houston enjoys some of its most beautiful spring weather, the Houston SPCA Run Club offers a meaningful way to spend a Thursday evening at Memorial Park.

Meeting each week at 6:15 pm near the Runner’s Stretching Deck, the Houston SPCA Run Club welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels for the park’s popular 3-Mile Loop, which begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

What sets this run club apart is its mission-driven spirit. Participants can bring their own dogs or spend time with adoptable pets brought by the Houston SPCA, creating a uniquely Houston blend of fitness, community, and animal connection.

Whether someone is training for a race, easing out of the workday, or simply looking for an active social outlet, the club offers an easy, relaxed way to engage.

For many participants, that commitment extends beyond Thursday nights. A number of runners also support Houston SPCA through the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason program, turning miles logged into life-saving support for animals in need.

And who knows? You may just fall in love with an adoptable dog and give him or her the forever home they've been waiting for. The Houston SPCA works tirelessly to match eligible pets with owners, including good-natured dogs like Tobias, who was recently adopted by a loving family.

Meet dogs like Tobias (recently adopted) at the Houston SPCA Run Club.Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

So, lace up and leash up, every Thursday evening! The Houston SPCA team will have water bowls available to help keep your pup hydrated.

Join the Houston SPCA Run Club, and if you meet your match, celebrate the unconditional love of a rescue animal by adopting. To learn more about the Houston SPCA and its mission, visit HoustonSPCA.org.