Vehicle Fire Investigation Leads to Cockfighting and Animal Cruelty Charges

Routine Call Uncovers Disturbing Animal Abuse

What began as a routine response to a vehicle fire in east Bexar County has led to serious animal cruelty charges after deputies discovered a shocking scene of neglect and abuse. On Jan. 1, deputies responded to the 600 block of Kayroe Drive after receiving reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames. Upon arrival, officials saw a severely malnourished tan dog allegedly chained to the fence.

Aundra Mathis was arrested on Thursday and charged with three counts of animal cruelty. The investigation quickly expanded beyond the initial fire call as deputies uncovered evidence of systematic animal abuse and illegal cockfighting operations on the property.

Extensive Animal Neglect Discovered

Throughout the investigation, deputies said they were able to identify three severely malnourished dogs, a dead bird with injuries consistent with cockfighting and more than 60 chickens and roosters "confined in cages without adequate food, water or shelter." The scale of neglect was staggering, with animals living in deplorable conditions that threatened their survival.

A deceased bird was also found and another bird had injuries consistent with cockfighting. The discovery painted a disturbing picture of both neglect and active animal abuse occurring at the residence. BCSO got in contact with Aundra Mathis, who was uncooperative and denied involvement with the animals, according to a release.

The property owner told deputies Mathis had been working at the residence but denied ownership of the dogs, identifying Mathis as the owner of the chickens and roosters. This created a complex web of responsibility that investigators had to untangle during their probe.

Video Evidence Reveals Shocking Abuse

Perhaps most disturbing was the video evidence that investigators obtained during their investigation. Video evidence obtained by investigators allegedly showed Mathis strangling a dog and provoking roosters to fight. This footage provided crucial evidence linking the suspect directly to both animal cruelty and illegal cockfighting activities.

Investigators also obtained video evidence and prior 311 reports regarding the animals. The existence of previous reports suggests this was not an isolated incident, but rather part of an ongoing pattern of animal abuse that had drawn community attention.

Animals Safe, Investigation Continues

Mathis was arrested and charged for cockfighting and three counts of animal cruelty (non-livestock). Animal control has taken custody of all the animals for safekeeping. The rescued animals are now receiving proper care and medical attention after their ordeal.

This case highlights how routine emergency calls can sometimes uncover much larger criminal operations. The quick thinking of responding deputies who noticed the chained, malnourished dog led to the rescue of more than 60 animals from horrific conditions. As animal welfare advocates continue to push for stronger penalties for such crimes, cases like this demonstrate the ongoing need for vigilant law enforcement and community reporting to protect vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect.