A video circulating on social media has drawn criticism of a Beaumont animal control officer after it appeared to show him using excessive force while handling a dog.
The footage, recorded on August 22 at around 3 p.m. at 1025 E. 6th Street in Beaumont, was originally shared by Nikkie Thompson, who works at a local business, and later reposted by The Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation and other accounts.
According to Thompson, the dog, estimated to be under a year old, had wandered onto the business property. She provided food and water while waiting for animal control to arrive. In her account, when the officer arrived, he made dismissive and upsetting remarks about the dog and reacted angrily when she recorded his actions.
The video shows the officer using a control pole — a long implement with a metal cable loop that fits around a dog’s neck, normally used to safely manage aggressive animals from a distance. In the footage, the officer not only drags the dog with the pole and applies excessive force, but also lifts the animal using the pole and throws it into the vehicle.
“This sweet baby came to my work,” Thompson wrote on social media. “He’s very sweet, gave him food and water, just wanted to be loved. The way he [the officer] spoke was disgusting — I walked into work crying and upset.” She said multiple witnesses were present and that attempts to report the incident to law enforcement were unsuccessful.
The foundation praised Thompson’s response, calling her a “hero” for stepping in and documenting the encounter. Meanwhile, the posts have sparked questions about the training and oversight of animal control officers in Beaumont.
KTLA has reached out to local law enforcement for comment but has not yet received a response.
The post Disturbing video shows an animal control officer handling dog with excessive force appeared first on KTLA.
