ALPINE, Texas — A predator tracker with international recognition has secured a $75,000 jury verdict in Brewster County District Court against an Alpine man for the shooting of three of his hunting dogs. The case has drawn attention to issues of property rights and the responsibilities of dog owners in hunting scenarios.
The incident occurred on May 23, 2024, when Rocky McBride was called to the Double Diamond area south of Alpine to handle a mountain lion that had become a concern for residents. McBride, who operates a hunting outfitter business, had permission from a property owner to track the animal. However, while his dogs were working on the property, they crossed a fence and entered the land of Randy Roberts, who then fired on them from his porch.
According to court documents, Roberts killed two of McBride’s dogs and injured a third. In his lawsuit, McBride claimed that Roberts acted negligently by disregarding warnings not to shoot and by failing to recognize that the dogs were highly trained and equipped for hunting. He pointed out that they wore GPS collars and other tracking devices, emphasizing their value to him both financially and emotionally.
Roberts countered that he and his wife had been asleep when they were disturbed by noise outside their home. Upon investigating, he said he encountered six dogs approaching aggressively. His defense argued that he acted in self-defense and raised the claim that McBride trespassed while carrying a firearm.
Following the trial, McBride expressed his belief that the evidence presented was compelling enough for the jury to favor him, notably a video from a surveillance camera that captured the incident. His dogs served not only as work companions but also held significant sentimental value for him.
In discussions, McBride highlighted his commitment to conservation. He explained his participation in various initiatives, including “Project Jaguar” in Paraguay, where wildlife is managed through non-lethal methods such as darting and tracking, and his efforts to study endangered Florida panthers.
The case also brought attention to McBride’s lineage in the field of hunting and conservation; he is the son of the late Rory McBride, who similarly blended research with hunting practices. He is married to Monica McBride, the chair of the Brewster County Republican Party, who joined him as a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Roberts is known locally as a talented musician, particularly for his work on the stand-up bass, and has been involved in community performances. Despite the unfolding legal battle, he has not publicly commented on the verdict, and his legal representative declined to speak on the matter.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding wildlife management, personal property rights, and the relationship between humans and animals in rural settings.
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