It started with a police officer being at the right place at the right time.
Hector Rojas Monsivaiz probably never expected it.
A police report states that while on patrol an officer saw Monsivaiz walk-up to a brown dog that was lying on the street in front of his property.
Police say he grabbed the pup by the neck and carried it as such into his property.
Then things escalated.
Police said the man raised the dog higher than his shoulders, still holding it by its neck, then the man "with a swinging motion slammed it on the concrete ground with such force that the canine bounced-off the ground and made a loud cry."
Kaitlyn Miller adopted two dogs Tuesday from the Brownsville Animal Shelter and said she’s glad Monsivaiz was punished for the alleged abuse.
"That's just cruel,” Miller said about the case. “I mean, if you did that to a child it would be considered a crime. I think an animal that can't stand up for itself – I think (abusing animals) should definitely be a crime."
Immigration Customs and Enforcement sources say when undocumented immigrants commit a crime; they must go before an immigration judge.
Based on their case and factors like criminal record, the judge decides if the immigrant is allowed to stay or must be deported.
"I don't know about deportation,” Miller said. “I definitely think he should have some sort of you know, consequence definitely. Deportation? I'm not sure - I mean if he's here illegally it's hard to say."
This is unique case is just one of the many that the animal shelter sees day in and day out.
Nelly Zamora, animal care technician, said many things can be considered animal cruelty.
"We see animals coming in that haven’t had proper veterinary care,” Zamora said. “Either they have severe skin issues, they are emaciated (or) they're starved."
After Monsivaiz was arrested, the animal shelter tried to pick-up the allegedly abused dog.
However, the scared animal fled and has not been caught.
Now both the fates of Monsivaiz and the dog he allegedly hurt remain to be seen.
The Brownsville animal shelter said anyone with information on the whereabouts of the dog can call (956) 544-2636.