Man Arrested for Shooting and Killing Dog in Jasper County

The Arrest of a Man Charged with Killing a Dog

A man from Jasper, Texas, has been arrested for shooting and killing a dog after contacting local authorities and requesting that a sergeant come to his home to kill the animal. The incident involved a six-year-old Treeing Cur named Joe, who was registered and had a collar with contact information. According to details provided by Sheriff Chuck Havard, the individual expressed frustration over having to shoot dogs that were left or abandoned in the area.

Ritchie Wayne Droddy, 68, turned himself in at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) on Tuesday afternoon after an arrest warrant was issued. He was charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, a third-degree felony that could result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. Droddy was released the following morning after posting a $35,000 bond.

The investigation began on July 28 when Sergeant Cody Christopher was contacted about an animal complaint on County Road 089. Droddy claimed he found a small model truck at the end of his driveway and believed someone was dumping a dog. Upon arriving home, he entered his shed and encountered a dog that appeared friendly and wore a collar without a tag. He then reached out to JCSO and asked a sergeant to come to his house to shoot the dog.

Droddy explained that he was tired of dealing with abandoned animals and that it hurt his heart. However, the sergeant refused the request and informed him of state laws regarding animal cruelty. Despite this, Droddy proceeded to shoot the dog later that day.

According to the sheriff’s office, Droddy called the owner of the dog, Cory Melton, and told him that he had killed the dog. Melton confirmed that he did not abandon any animals and was at work all day. He also asked if the dog was black and bob-tailed, which Droddy confirmed.

Sergeant Christopher visited Droddy’s residence and was given a collar with the name “Bubba White” and two phone numbers. Droddy said the dog was friendly and followed him to the mailbox, but he tried to get it to leave. His wife adjusted the collar, thinking it was too tight, but neither noticed the contact information on the tag.

During the conversation, Droddy mentioned that he heard the dog growling and saw it cornering a barn cat in a shed. He managed to take the dog away from the cat and tied a leash around it before shooting it in the head. At the time of the shooting, the dog was not actively threatening the cat, and no injuries were reported.

After the incident, Droddy discovered the name and numbers on the collar and contacted the owner. Melton explained that his dog had become separated during a family trip to a deer lease near Droddy’s property. He described Joe as a friendly and valuable hunting companion, emphasizing the importance of working dogs in the community.

Sheriff Havard reminded residents that while they have the right to protect their livestock and family, they must comply with state laws when using force that could cause serious harm or death to an animal. He referenced Chapter 42 of the Texas Penal Code, which outlines penalties for cruelty to non-livestock animals.

Droddy, who retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 after nearly 34 years of service, is now facing legal consequences for his actions. Cory Melton, the dog's owner, supports the arrest and believes the case sends a strong message to anyone considering harming working or family pets.