Arrests Made in Connection with Two Animal Cruelty Cases

(DALLAS, TX; VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TX); November 2, 2021 – Two arrests
have been made by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office in connection with two different animal cruelty cases after the SPCA of Texas filed criminal charges against the individuals involved.

Richard Stevenson was arrested and booked into Van Zandt County Jail after
being charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals for neglect, which is a Class A misdemeanor. In this case, the SPCA of Texas removed 12 Chihuahua-type dogs from a residence on June 14, 2021. The conditions inside of the residence were deplorable, with ammonia levels reaching over 200 parts per million (ppm.) For a point of reference, short-term exposure to any ammonia level over 20 ppm or long-term exposure to any level over 12 ppm can cause health problems in humans. The dogs were found to be suffering from multiple health conditions, including dehydration, malnourishment and internal and external parasite infestation. To view photos of the animals from this case, please click the following link or copy and paste it into your browser: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3i54okc8sh4hr5d/AAC84bnjw4c6JCZU8PDuB
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Tammy Tucker was arrested and booked into Van Zandt County Jail after being charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals for abandonment, a Class A misdemeanor. In this case, the SPCA of Texas removed six dogs from a property on July 1, 2021. The dogs had been abandoned and were found living in poor conditions, without access to food, water or proper air circulation in the heat of summer. The dogs were found to be suffering from parasite infestation and other health conditions. To view photos from this case, please click the following link or copy and paste it into your browser: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bft9rgkxy2ovus4/AABW4zmrTWicNV4sJaoJ
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In both cases, the SPCA of Texas received complaints of animal cruelty and responded by beginning investigations. After removing the animals, gathering evidence and interviewing suspects, the SPCA of Texas’ investigators were able
to file criminal charges against the animal owners for animal cruelty. Both suspects will be arraigned, then bonds will be set and both cases will go to trial. If the suspects are found guilty, then they will be sentenced by a judge.

The SPCA of Texas has a team of Animal Cruelty Investigators who carry Peace Officer commissions and have the authority to investigate, file charges and make arrests in cases of animal cruelty. The SPCA of Texas has Memorandums of Understanding to support animal cruelty investigations in the City of Dallas, Hunt County, Kaufman County, Van Zandt County and Hopkins County. With these memorandums, investigators are able to work with local law enforcement to investigate and file charges in cases of animal cruelty.

To help support the SPCA of Texas and its efforts to help abused, neglected and homeless animals and to support the SPCA of Texas’ other programs and services, please visit www.spca.org/helptheanimals. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, please visit our website at www.spca.org.