Texas FFA Supported After Dog Attack Kills Students’ Animals

Students at Caprock High School’s FFA program in Amarillo, Texas, were dealt a heartbreaking blow earlier this month when stray dogs entered their barn and killed or severely injured their show animals.

For many of these students, raising goats and lambs isn’t just a school project, it’s an investment of time, money, and love that represents their future in agriculture and education.

According to community member Amanda Nicole, the tragedy unfolded on the night of the school’s homecoming parade.

“Caprock FFA had tragedy strike their barn a few nights ago. The night of their homecoming parade some dogs got into their barn and slaughtered their FFA goats and sheep,” wrote Nicole on her Facebook page. “Six animals were killed and others have been severely injured. These kids pour their hearts, souls and wallets into these animals. I have personally witnessed the love, care and dedication these kids put into these animals, I’ve even had the opportunity to love on some of these very animals that were lost. These kids are so deserving of help from the community to show their animals this year. These kids represent us, our community, our county and even our state when they go to their shows. These are our Future Farmers, we need them!”

For students, the attack was not only a financial loss but also an emotional one. Kenzlee Denny, a Caprock student, shared the deep grief shared by many classmates:

“Please help us out after a tragedy happened, our goat barn got attacked yesterday,” wrote Denny in a Facebook post. “We didn’t only lose our animals but all the time and effort and money we put into them.”

Parents, supporters, and community members quickly took to social media to share the devastating news and call for action.

Brittany Elizabeth Pottorff wrote on Facebook, “We will take help in any form, along with prayers. These poor kids were and are still very traumatized and no animal or child should have to go through what these kiddos and their show animals did! Not to mention all that these kids and parents do to make it happen along with their Ag teacher, while AISD keeps trying to wipe out the program. We need more voices! Lots of prayers for our Caprock FFA!”

The emotional toll has been heavy. A GoFundMe campaign titled SUPPORT Caprock FFA after tragedy!!!! has already raised more than $7,500 of its $9,000 goal, with 100 donations from individuals touched by the students’ loss. As one GoFundMe organizer explained:

“My son, who is a student and a part of the Caprock FFA. He along with other students suffered a tragedy and great loss. They had just placed their show animals in the facility, and two or three stray dogs accessed the pens and a massacre happened in the building. These students worked hard, they put in time labor and money some paid $400 to 1200 for their animal and they were murdered. We are hoping to help recover the money they lost so they can get more animals but also to secure the fencing and building so this doesn’t happen again.”

Local news outlet 101.9 The Bull confirmed the details, reporting that on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, dogs gained access to the agricultural pens and attacked the students’ livestock. The Amarillo Independent School District released a statement:

“Stray dogs got into our agricultural farm, resulting in the loss of several goats and lambs. This has deeply saddened our team of staff and students who work at the ag farm, and we are evaluating what, if any, additional steps could be taken to help improve the safety of our animals moving forward.”

Raising show animals teaches students discipline, responsibility, and agricultural skills while also providing funds for their education. As the news report noted, “Blood, sweat, and tears go into raising these animals, and when something happens to these animals, it is devastating.”

Despite the tragedy, the community has rallied to help the students. Aside from the GoFundMe, other fundraisers have been launched. Ranchers Supply Amarillo has announced a fundraiser lunch.

Another local business, Bubba’s 33 will hold a fundraising event earlier in September, pledging a percentage of sales to support the students. 

For many people outside of agricultural communities, the depth of this tragedy might be hard to fully grasp. In FFA programs, however, students raise and care for livestock over months or years. These animals are not only a business investment but become partners to exhibitors and also represent scholarships, career goals, and life lessons in responsibility.

“These kids represent us, our community, our county and even our state when they go to their shows,” said Amanda Nicole on Facebook. “These are our Future Farmers, we need them!”

The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about agricultural program funding, facility security, and the need for stronger support from local school districts. As Brittany Elizabeth Pottorff pointed out, the FFA program has already been under strain, “Not to mention all that these kids and parents do to make it happen along with their Ag teacher, while AISD keeps trying to wipe out the program. We need more voices!”

Still, the outpouring of support has provided hope. With thousands of dollars raised, community fundraisers scheduled, and a spotlight on the importance of agricultural education, Caprock FFA students are determined to rebuild.