Hunt County Businessman Arrested as a Result of SPCA of Texas ACI Unit Investigation

Craig Hanna Charged with Animal Cruelty, Arrested

DALLAS; HUNT COUNTY, TEXAS – At the conclusion of an investigation, which began in July 2023, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit (ACI) determined that Craig Hanna violated Texas Penal Code 42.092 – Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, a Class A Misdemeanor, for intentionally and knowingly neglecting two dogs while they were in his care, custody and control. The ACI Unit performed the animal cruelty investigation on Hanna and the case was turned over to the Hunt County Attorney’s Office.

The SPCA of Texas and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office filed criminal charges and on Wednesday, April 1, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Craig Hanna by the Hunt County Attorney’s Office. Two days later, on April 3rd, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office took Hanna into custody, and he was booked into the Hunt County Jail. His criminal trial is yet to be scheduled.

On July 31, 2023, the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit received a complaint from a pet owner that had boarded his dogs to be trained by Hanna at his home in Caddo Mills, Texas for 14 days. When the owner arrived to claim his dogs, he noticed that they were lethargic, covered in urine and one of the dogs had trouble standing. He rushed the dogs to an emergency vet where they were treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. One of the dogs, a mixed breed named Duke, was in critical condition and had to be hospitalized. Duke’s medical examination showed that he lost 13 pounds in 17 days, 14 of which were in the care of Craig Hanna, the owner of United K9 Academy, in Hunt County.

Duke survived the ordeal, as did the other dog, Kato.

“We’re happy to report that Duke was able to pull through, make a full recovery and is back to being spoiled by his family,” said SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator, Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Courtney Burns, CAWA. “We strongly advise pet owners to do their research when choosing a trainer or boarding their pets. A reputable business should be able to provide references and allow you to tour the facility.”

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.

About the SPCA of Texas

Founded in1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization that operates two shelters, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas and Ellis Counties, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of 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, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit www.spca.org.

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