Kyle officer resigns after animal cruelty conviction

A Kyle Police officer has surrendered his badge after he was found guilty last week of beating his girlfriend’s poodle and causing significant injuries.

David Salinas, 34, of Austin, was found guilty by a Travis County jury Aug. 9 of a third-degree felony charge of animal cruelty. He will serve a two-year probation and undergo a mental health evaluation for anger management. Frisco, the poodle in the center of the case, will be released from the ownership of Salinas and his fiancé to a new foster family.

“Earlier today, the Kyle Police Department received the resignation of David Salinas,” said Kyle Chief of Police Jeff Barnett Aug. 10. “Salinas was removed from police duties while this matter was pending in court.”