SPCA of Texas Removes 11 Dogs from Hopkins County Property

DALLAS; HOPKINS COUNTY, TEXAS – On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit removed 8 live, medium-sized, mixed-breed, adult dogs and 3 puppies from a property in Hopkins County. The ACI Unit also recovered the body of one deceased adult dog from the property’s kitchen.

In the evening hours of June 8, 2026, local authorities responded to a 911 call from an individual near Sulphur Springs, Texas, who reported being unable to separate dogs fighting inside his residence. Upon arrival, authorities discovered numerous dogs living inside the home amid extensive accumulations of urine, feces, trash and other debris.

The individual who placed the 911 call was experiencing a medical emergency and was transported for medical treatment. During their response, authorities also discovered the body of a deceased dog inside the residence and contacted the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit for assistance.

Two SPCA of Texas Investigators responded to the location the following morning. Through the windows of the residence, investigators observed several adult dogs and puppies that appeared to be mixed-breed dogs. As the dogs crowded around the door, investigators observed several altercations among the dogs. The dogs appeared to vary in body condition, with some appearing noticeably thinner than others.

“Cases involving large numbers of dogs often present unique welfare and safety concerns, particularly when animals are living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions,” said SPCA of Texas’ ACI Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. “As stress levels increase and dogs are forced into close proximity with one another, competition for essential resources and limited opportunities to avoid conflict can increase the likelihood of fights and injuries. We appreciate the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office for their swift response and assistance in this case. These dogs are now receiving comprehensive veterinary and forensic evaluations while our investigation continues.”

The dogs were taken into custody and were transported to the SPCA of Texas’ Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center for forensic evaluation and treatment on June 10th.

Several additional dogs were observed loose on the property and investigators are continuing efforts to safely recover them.

A custody hearing for the dogs is set for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct No. 1 (128 K Jefferson St. Sulphur Springs, TX 75482).

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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