FALFURRIAS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Border Patrol Union of the Rio Grande Valley has issued a statement on an incident of what appears to be an agent kneeing a Border Patrol K-9. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Falfurrias checkpoint and was caught on video, which has now become viral on social media. The statement says the agent was using proper corrective techniques she was trained to do by canine handler instructors. Border Patrol RGV chief addresses possible animal abuse "While there is never an excuse for abusing a pet or a canine partner, what is viewed in the video is not abuse, but rather corrective action," the statement reads. The full statement can be found below: "On January 1, 2025, an incident involving a Border Patrol agent and her canine partner was recorded on video by a member of the traveling public and shared on social media. It was then shared thousands of times, to include by additional members of the public and the news media. The incident in question involves a canine handler correcting the behavior of her canine partner; however, as is oftentimes the case in "viral" videos, only one side of the story is put out. The video shows the agent utilizing proper corrective techniques as she was trained to do by the Border Patrol's own canine handler instructors. The agent, as are all certified Border Patrol canine handlers, is a graduate of the USBP canine academy, a rigorous course in which prospective handlers are trained on how to ensure that they are the "alpha" over the canine, which includes immediate corrections for a myriad of issues, to include disobedience. Canine handlers are also taught to make an attempt at employing corrective actions outside of the view of the traveling public, because most members of the public view canines not as working dogs, but as pets. From the onset of their training, canine handlers are taught that their canine partners are just that, partners, not pets. While there is never an excuse for abusing a pet or a canine partner, what is viewed in the video is not abuse, but rather corrective action. The agency has stated that an investigation is being conducted, and we are confident that once completed, the evidence will show that the agent utilized her training and that no violations of policy occurred. We look forward to a full and fair investigation void of personal emotion."  U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Gloria Chavez also issued a statement on the incident. Chavez's statement reads: "The U.S. Border Patrol takes every allegation seriously. Our K9s are extremely valuable to our border security mission. We love our dogs. They are very special law enforcement partners. Any mistreatment or abuse by their handlers will not be tolerated in any capacity. We very much appreciate the public for making us aware of the incident that took place at the Falfurrias Checkpoint. We have made proper notifications to conduct a full investigation into this event. Be assured that our K9 is safe. I appreciate all your love, concern, and support for our K9 partners. Be assured our K9s and their safety will always be a top priority. " An investigation is being conducted into the incident, according to the agency. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, also known as PETA, sent a letter to Border Patrol requesting immediate action in response to the incident. PETA requests Border Patrol take several actions including removing the K-9 from the suspect's custody and sticking to the promise of conducting a full investigation. PETA's request letter reads: "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has viewed video footage reportedly showing a U.S. Border Patrol agent abusing a K-9 at Falfurrias Station. In the footage, the handler is seen swinging her right leg back and bringing her knee forward at the dog, whose leash she is holding. The witness was reportedly told by Border Patrol agents that K-9 handlers “discipline dogs in their own ways.” We are writing to seek your assurance that this incident will be properly addressed. First, we respectfully request that the K-9 be removed immediately from this handler’s custody and that the officer be reassigned to duties that do not involve having contact with animals. Second, we ask for your clarification whether the “full investigation into this event” referenced in the statement by Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez is an external investigation conducted by a third party, such as the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office in Texas. The actions captured in the footage may violate Texas’ cruelty to non-livestock animals statute (V.T.C.A., Penal Code § 42.092). Third, based on our experience with similar cases across the nation, we recommend a thorough review of policies and training for K-9 handlers—including proper first aid techniques, approved by veterinarians, if dogs are in fact choking—so that only nonviolent, humane methods are used. Not only is such violence cruel, it’s also ineffective. Experts agree that dogs learn and maintain desirable behavior best when trained with a reward-based system and that frightening or traumatic treatment induces fear and anxiety. PETA works with and supports law-enforcement agencies across the country, often collaborating to investigate, charge, and prosecute animal abusers. Incidents in which officers commit acts of cruelty against K-9 partners are deeply upsetting for the communities that look to them not only to uphold the law but also to act as role models. If your agency is unable to guarantee that its K-9s are treated humanely, we recommend phasing out and replacing them with state-of-the-art technology, such as tactical robots, drones, or portable mass spectrometers. Thank you for your consideration of this matter."