Waco, TX – A Bruceville-Eddy woman has been arrested and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals after her three pit bulls allegedly terrorized her neighborhood and were found in poor condition. Rebecca Lynn Crawford, 30, faces multiple charges after her dogs, identified as Athena, Jade, and Lily, were found roaming the streets malnourished and covered in fleas.
The case came to light after several neighbors reported the dogs’ aggressive behavior, including attacks on other animals, and their frequent wandering in the area. On December 27, 2024, police were called to the 100 block of Pinto Drive after two pit bulls, later identified as Jade and Lily, were spotted roaming the streets. The dogs were described as thin, underweight, and visibly scared. Both were infested with fleas, police reports state. Just a few days later, on December 30, Athena, another one of Crawford’s dogs, was found wandering in the 300 block of Horseshoe Bend, also in poor condition.
Crawford reportedly reached out to authorities on December 30, seeking to regain custody of Athena, but initially denied ownership of Jade and Lily. She claimed they were strays she had been temporarily caring for while searching for new homes for them. However, police and neighbors provided evidence that all three dogs had been in Crawford’s care for some time. According to a police affidavit, body camera footage and statements from multiple neighbors confirmed that Crawford had taken ownership of Athena and Jade, and that Lily also appeared to be her dog.
Over the past few years, authorities had responded to multiple calls about Crawford’s dogs, including incidents where the animals were found roaming freely, killing chickens, attacking cats, and being aggressive toward neighbors. Crawford had reportedly been issued 16 citations for city ordinance violations related to her dogs’ behavior.
Several neighbors spoke out, providing written statements to police describing the conditions on Crawford’s property. One neighbor reported seeing the dogs covered in fleas and malnourished, with some puppies allegedly dying shortly after birth. Another neighbor stated that Crawford’s dogs were often aggressive, making it difficult for them to park their vehicles or let their children play outside safely. A third neighbor claimed that Crawford’s dogs had chased and attacked her pets, and expressed fear that the dogs could potentially harm her young child.
In addition to the physical harm caused by the dogs, neighbors also reported unsanitary conditions on Crawford’s property. Several described how fleas would infest their clothes when walking onto her property, and one neighbor said the dogs would defecate on their yard, making it difficult to maintain their own property.
On January 7, 2025, a hearing was held at Justice of the Peace Court #4, where Crawford acknowledged only wanting to reclaim Athena and stated she would not take responsibility for the other two dogs. Following the hearing, Judge Brian Richardson issued an order confirming that Crawford had cruelly treated the animals by failing to provide adequate food, veterinary care, shelter, and proper containment.
Crawford was arrested shortly after the hearing and remains charged with animal cruelty. As of now, she is no longer listed as an active inmate at the McLennan County Jail. The case has sparked concern among neighbors, many of whom hope that the charges will help prevent further harm to the animals and ensure a safer environment for the community.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to work on finding new homes for the dogs.
