USDA Report: Hyena Was Being Walked “Like a Dog” Before Attack at East Texas Facility

GRAND SALINE, Texas (TXAN 24) — A federal inspection report says a hyena involved in an attack at an East Texas animal facility was being walked through a public area on a thin dog leash before a guest was seriously injured.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the incident happened Dec. 20, 2025, at Mystic Misfits in Grand Saline.

Inspectors say the adult female hyena was being handled in a manner similar to a pet dog, walking in a public area with direct access to guests. The USDA report states the facility allowed members of the public near the animal and directed one guest to stand beside the hyena for a photograph.

Federal officials say the hyena then bit through the leash, escaped the handler’s control and attacked the guest, causing a severe calf injury that required hospitalization.

The violation was labeled “Critical” under federal animal handling regulations. USDA inspectors noted hyenas are powerful wild predators capable of causing serious injury and said public exhibitions must include proper barriers, distancing and handling procedures to protect both the public and the animals.

The focused inspection was conducted Dec. 31, 2025, and the report says corrective action was required immediately moving forward.