Disgraced Animal Care Services Director Target of “Outrageous Government Conduct” Subpoena

When San Antonio Animal Care Services Director Shannon Sims implemented a new policy titled “Restricted Intake Protocols” on November 18, 2021, it stated that “ACS as an organization has multiple priorities, some of which conflict at times.  During these times, it may be necessary for the organization to temporarily prioritize the live release rate above law enforcement functions that have a minimal or (no) impact on public safety.”

Over a year later, Sims’ decision to permanently prioritize live release rates over public safety was a key factor that set up a chain of events leading to the tragic death 81-year-old Ramon Najera on February 24, 2023.  Najera was mauled to death by Snow and King, two Pit Bulls owned by Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieder. The couple now await trial for dangerous dog attack causing death.

On February 2, 2024, Moreno’s defense attorney Jorge Aristotelidis filed a “Motion To Dismiss On The Basis Of Outrageous Government Conduct.”  The motion, in part, argues that ACS failed to follow state law and impose dangerous dog restrictions prior to releasing King and Snow back to their owners. The motion states that “bottom line, dead dogs cannot kill or injure people”.

The motion further argues that had ACS not released “two full-sized pit bull terrier killing machines” back to Moreno and Schnieder, Najera would still be alive.

In response to that motion, Sims was subpoenaed to testify before 226th Judicial District Court Judge Velia Meza at a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday.  Sims, who has a documented history of angry outbursts, was at times irritable and resentful when the defense attorney pressed him regarding ACS’ failure to formally declare Moreno and Schnieder’s dogs to be dangerous.

Though Sims testified that Snow and King were, in fact, dangerous based on prior bite incidents, he was unable to offer any evidence that ACS took steps to notify prior bite victims or witnesses that they had the right to file a dangerous dog affidavit.

Further supporting the defense attorney’s argument that ACS was directly responsible for releasing dangerous dogs back into the community, Abilene Schnieder testified that ACS made multiple concessions to ensure King and Snow had a live release after they were impounded at ACS as a result of a January 12, 2023 attack.

Schnieder testified when she told ACS that she would have to surrender King and Snow because she could not afford the impound boarding fees, ACS waived over $700 in fees for King and even offered a payment plan for Snow’s $200 boarding fees.

Judge Meza is expected to rule on the motion by June 17.