Harris County authorities accused of dumping dead animals in open hole

Well, only on Fox here tonight, some disturbing allegations are being made about how Precinct 4 employees are disposing of dead dogs and other animals found along county roadways. Fox 26's Randy Wallace joining us now with that exclusive. Randy. Randy, Anthony. Now, a Harris County employee now with Precinct 4 took video of bags filled with dead animals left in an open hole. I do want to warn you, the video is graphic. This county employee agreed to talk to us if we disguised his voice. He shot this video on property belonging to Precinct 4, which is located near Clay Road and Highway 6. They're purposely taking these bags and stuffing them into the ground and essentially leaving them open until the hole is full. And then, you know, when the hole is full, it means you have... They've been coming down the road here back in the road and they've been dumping dead animals. And there's always vultures back there flying around and then it smells so bad in this area. And there's children out here playing and it smells, you can smell Stink of dead animal. This woman, who asked that we not use her name, lives in an apartment complex next to the Precinct 4 owned property. They're dumping animals back there. Precinct 4 county employees? Yes, Precinct 4, that's correct. One of the things we're told is that they're not covering the hole up. No, no, no. Not at all, and it's disgusting because the sign right there, you can't walk back there, but I live right here, and you can see from the balcony when they're driving around and dumping animals over there, you can see all that. How long has it been going on, would you say? I want to say over a couple of years. In a statement, Precinct 4 says animals are humanely buried on county maintenance property. Consistent with public health best practices and in full compliance with Texas health and safety codes. Now the statement goes on to say public safety is Commissioner Leslie Briones' top priority and that includes the health of our residents and ensuring roadways are free of debris and waste. Reporting live in the newsroom, Randy Wallace, Fox 26 News.