Mom Accused of Burning Family Dogs as Kids Watched

A quiet afternoon in Henderson, Texas, turned disturbing on May 17 when an 11-year-old boy called 911 with a chilling message — his mother was allegedly burning the family dogs.

What unfolded next led to the arrest of 32-year-old Veronica Loredo, a cascade of serious charges, and left a community asking how something like this could happen so close to home.

A Shocking 911 Call

According to authorities, the first call from Loredo's son came in just before 1 p.m. He told dispatchers that his mother was actively burning their two small dogs and believed he "was the devil," according to the PEOPLE.

The situation escalated rapidly. Just minutes later, at 1:04 p.m., a neighbor called to report that Loredo had arrived at their house with blood on her hands, claiming that "her parents had been killed," according to KKTV.

Deputies responded within minutes, arriving at the Loredo residence around 1:08 p.m.

Disturbing Scene at the Home

What deputies found painted a disturbing picture. Loredo was inside a vehicle with four children — ranging in age from 1 to 11 — all allegedly locked inside.

The fire still smoldered nearby, and officers say the remains of the family's dogs were discovered inside it.

Loredo appeared agitated, reportedly screaming for help from the passenger side of the vehicle and claiming someone was trying to kill her. Officers noted that she was "sweating profusely" and breathing unusually fast, according to PEOPLE.

According to the probable cause affidavit, she admitted to killing the dogs in front of the children. Her son told investigators that after locking the kids in the car, Loredo grabbed the dogs and placed them into the fire.

Legal Fallout and Ongoing Investigations

Loredo was arrested on the spot and is now facing two felony charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals, in addition to four counts of endangering a child.

She is currently being held on a $400,000 bond.

Child Protective Services has launched its own investigation, though officials have not released further information regarding the children's current living situation or future custody arrangements.

The case remains under active investigation, and authorities have not publicly discussed Loredo's mental health or potential motivations beyond what was recorded in the affidavit.

A Community Grapples with Tragedy

While the investigation plays out, neighbors and local residents are left grappling with the disturbing nature of the incident. Cases involving animal cruelty and child endangerment are rare — but when they do happen, they often raise broader questions about mental health resources, family welfare checks, and the responsibilities of those witnessing concerning behavior.

References: A Boy Called Police with a Horrifying Claim: His Mother Was Burning the Family Dogs | Mother Accused of Burning Family Dogs to Death Arrested After 11-Year-Old Son Calls 911 | Henderson Woman Accused of Burning Dogs to Death