LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – A hot mic moment during a Liberty County Commissioners meeting has sparked outrage among animal advocates, after audio captured Judge Jay Knight and Commissioner David Whitmire mocking advocates following a public comment session on the county’s stray and loose-owned dog crisis.
Independent rescuer Jenni Rodriguez expressed her frustration, stating, “At the end of the day, it just reinforced that they don’t care.”
The audio from the livestream revealed the officials’ disparaging remarks, prompting a strong reaction from attendees.
“For us to be treated the way y’all have treated us is very disappointing,” said Independent rescuer Lisa Hilton Noble, addressing Judge Knight directly.
While neither Knight nor Whitmire issued an apology, Commissioner Greg Arthur told KPRC 2 that he did not believe the comments were intended to be disrespectful. However, he acknowledged that the mocking should not have occurred.
The issue of stray and roaming dogs has been a persistent problem in Liberty County, draining the resources of local rescuers. For three years, advocates have been calling for the establishment of an animal shelter, animal control services, and low-cost spay and neuter programs.
A post-meeting discussion between advocates and the Liberty County attorney offered a glimmer of hope.
“For the first time in a very long time, we felt like we were heard,” said Aliesha Medley, founder of the nonprofit Houston Huts 4 Mutts. “We’ll see.”
County commissioners have announced plans to hold public workshops in the near future, though no specific dates have been set, nor has the issue been added to an official agenda.
