Jake Stephen Davis Held on $150K Bond After Seven Dogs Rescued from Property

DALLAS; HUNT COUNTY, TEXAS – On May 27, 2026, the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jake Stephen Davis and charged him with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals — Torture, a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 42.092. Under Texas law, a person commits this offense by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly torturing, killing or causing serious bodily injury to an animal in a cruel manner by causing unjustifiable pain and suffering. Davis is being held on a $150,000 bond.

 An arrest is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

During a civil custody hearing Tuesday, May 26th, in the Hunt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Courthouse (1106 Main St, Commerce, TX 75428), Judge Kerry Crews ordered the release of seven dogs to the SPCA of Texas. Judge Crews found that the animal owner, Davis, allegedly neglected the 5 male and 2 female Cur-type dogs in a cruel manner. Judge Crews also awarded the SPCA of Texas $4,056 in restitution.

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, rescued six dogs from along the side of a farm-to-market road in Hunt County, after receiving a complaint from a concerned citizen. Investigators found the six dogs confined to pens with no apparent access to food and small amounts of contaminated rain water. A seventh dog was found nearby, tethered with a heavy chain near a small wooden dog house and a bowl of contaminated water.

The SPCA of Texas ACI Unit immediately provided water to all seven dogs and assessed their conditions. One dog was found to be extremely lethargic and in rapidly declining condition. Because of the apparent critical state of the six dogs confined in the pens, investigators conducted an exigent seizure out of concern the animals would not survive without immediate intervention and to preserve evidence. The dogs were transported to the SPCA of Texas Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center for emergency veterinary treatment and forensic evaluation.

Investigators obtained a warrant the same day authorizing custody of the six dogs already removed from the property, as well as the seventh dog that remained on-site. On the morning of May 18th, the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit, again assisted by the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, returned to the property and seized the remaining dog.

The dogs currently are receiving medical treatment and supportive care and are intable condition as they continue their recovery.

“Our medical team continues to carefully assess each dog’s condition and provide the highest standard of care possible,” said SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. “At the same time, our behavior team is patiently helping these dogs build trust through gentle socialization and compassion. Seeing them begin to relax and respond to kindness reminds us just how resilient they are, and we’re proud to provide them with safety and care at the SPCA of Texas Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center.”

To support the SPCA of Texas’ efforts to rescue, heal and find homes for animals from cases of cruelty and neglect, please visit www.spca.org/GIVE. To learn more and to report suspected animal cruelty or abuse, visit https://spca.org/abuse.

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle, and one animal rescue center, all located in Dallas. The organization also maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties. The SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, the State of Texas, the federal government, or any national humane organization. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to creating a brighter future for animals, people, and the community. To learn more, visit spca.org.

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View photos from the case.