Who Killed Classy?

By Gloria Way

  The Winnie area community is in shock and dismay over the senseless shooting of a gentle giant dog named Classy. Classy was the gentlest of souls who lived with her family behind Market Basket on SH 124. She would often leave her house and stroll to Market Basket to greet the shoppers and enjoy the pets and belly rubs, and then she would stroll back to her family knowing that she provided a little bit of happiness and joy to everyone who petted her. All who shopped at Market Basket has a story about Classy. She was loved by the entire community.

  Last week, some soulless creep saw Classy resting in a neighbor’s yard under some trees. With callousness and a cruelty that defy words, this monster shot Classy and killed her. As word spread about Classy’s senseless death, the community has gathered and are offering a reward to catch Classy’s killer. It is very disturbing to know that there is a very sick person within our midst that is able and willing to shoot and kill an innocent animal while they were resting under some trees. Psychology has taught us that serial killers and murders usually manifest their inner evil by hurting and killing animals first before they hurt and kill people.

  Many Winnie residents have asked about leash laws in Chambers County and if Classy should have been kept enclosed in a yard. There is not a countywide leash law in Chambers County that requires all dogs to be leashed everywhere in the county. However, there are important rules that still apply:

• In cities within Chambers County (such as Anahuac, Mont Belvieu, or Beach City), local ordinances may require dogs to be leashed or otherwise restrained when off the owner’s property. You should check the specific city’s animal control ordinance.
• In unincorporated areas of Chambers County such as Winnie and Stowell, there is generally no blanket leash requirement, but owners are still responsible for keeping their dogs under control. Texas law allows counties to adopt local leash requirements if they choose.

Additionally, under Texas law:

• A dog known to chase or attack livestock or domestic animals may not be allowed to run at large.
• Owners of dangerous dogs have additional legal responsibilities under state law.

  In the case of Classy, Classy was a gentle, friendly dog. She was never aggressive. She never growled at anyone. All Classy wanted was pets and belly rubs from all her friends shopping at Market Basket.

  Classy did not deserve to be a victim of a deranged, sick human being. She loved everyone. And the unofficial mascot of Market Basket will be painfully missed.