Residents in Cibolo are voicing significant concerns regarding the competence of a local animal services officer, Monique Mora. These mounting complaints stem from her handling of animals in her care and the investigation of various criminal cases.

The Fatal Incident Involving 'Butter'

The controversy intensified after a Staffordshire Terrier mix named Butter died under questionable circumstances. Butter's owners, the Campos family, described their property as a safe and happy home for the dog.

The incident began when an Amazon driver missed instructions and attempted a front-door delivery, leading to Butter biting the individual. Officer Mora, who had been with Cibolo Animal Services for just over a year, responded to the scene.

Struggles with Restraint and Escalation

Internal records and body-worn camera transcripts detail Mora’s difficulty securing Butter on the screened-in back porch. Mora radioed her manager, stating, “I’m going to need some help getting this dog. It’s trying to charge at me, and I can’t get the noose around its neck.”

Butter eventually escaped through a porch window but was later caught under a parked ambulance. As Mora and a police officer pulled the dog out, Mora noted the catchpole loop was “too tight” around Butter’s neck. A second catchpole was used to secure the dog’s hind legs.

Concerns Over Post-Capture Care

A Cibolo police lieutenant’s investigation found that Mora lifted the dog into the Animal Services vehicle despite expressing concern that the catchpole could cause choking. The report also indicated Mora failed to wait for additional animal control assistance she had requested.

The Campos’ husband found a note indicating Butter had bitten someone and was in custody. The next morning, animal services initially refused to allow Butter medical attention or release her for outside veterinary care, intending to hold her for the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The family eventually secured Butter’s release, but medical records showed the dog suffered a broken jaw, internal bleeding, and blindness. The Campos family made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize their pet.

Mrs. Campos stated, “She knew from the get-go she couldn’t handle this,” criticizing Mora’s actions and the lack of detail in her initial report. Mora’s report claimed Butter was “running at large,” despite the dog wearing a shock collar that kept her confined to the property, which likely shocked the dog until she was out of range.

Internal Review and Subsequent Actions

Following the incident, internal records show Mora was temporarily restricted from using the catchpole in January 2025 due to proficiency concerns raised by both the lieutenant and Mora herself.

The lieutenant’s investigation, finalized in March 2025, recommended a three-day suspension, a letter of counseling, and mandatory training in de-escalation and report writing. However, the police chief reversed these findings in May 2025, determining the policy violations were not sustained.

Weeks later, in June, Mora received a letter of counseling for a separate incident where a large dog collapsed, possibly due to an overly tight catchpole. This letter noted Mora failed to document injuries or seek veterinary evaluation.

Other Allegations of Misconduct

The Case of Christina Lichtenberg and 'Flash'

In April of last year, Christina Lichtenberg attempted to surrender her dog, Flash, after a separation from her husband. The department manager initially stated owner surrenders were not being accepted.

Lichtenberg left Flash with her ex-husband and his mother, but the ex-mother-in-law later took the dog to Lichtenberg’s vacant home. Mora contacted Lichtenberg, suggesting the action could be investigated as dog abandonment, leading Lichtenberg to feel criminally targeted.

Lichtenberg was formally charged with misdemeanor cruelty to a non-livestock animal in late October. A prosecutor with the Guadalupe County Attorney’s Office has agreed to dismiss the charge if Lichtenberg completes 10 hours of community service and makes a donation.

Lichtenberg criticized Mora’s conduct, stating, “Not at all. Not at all. I think this was 100% a miscarriage of justice.” She felt Mora failed to connect with the community.

Allegations of False Charges

In August of last year, another Cibolo resident accused Mora of harassment and filing false charges after a dog fight. A citation issued to the man for an outdated rabies vaccine was dismissed after Mora admitted she made a mistake regarding the timeline.

Cibolo officials deemed the harassment and false charge allegations against Mora unfounded, and that investigation closed without disciplinary action.

A spokesperson for the City of Cibolo declined requests for interviews with Animal Services leadership, stating the agency does not comment on personnel matters.