Van Zandt County Resident Arrested as a Result of SPCA of Texas ACI Unit Investigation

Kathleen Marie Curtis Charged with two Animal Cruelty Offenses, Arrested

DALLAS; VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TEXAS – Wednesday, January 22, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for Kathleen Marie Curtis. She was taken into custody and charged with two separate animal cruelty offenses—abandonment and neglect—both Class A Misdemeanors. Curtis’ bond was set for $10,000 for each charge, totaling $20,000.

On Monday, January 20, 2025, the SPCA of Texas received a complaint regarding two dogs that allegedly had been abandoned at a residence by their owners after they had been evicted from the home on January 16^th. An Investigator with the SPCA of Texas’ Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit responded to the property and discovered two adult dogs on a couch that was sitting outside by the curb. At the time, in this area, it was 23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills in the teens and the dogs were shivering due to the extreme cold without any protection from the elements. It was evident at that time that both dogs had been abandoned and needed urgent intervention due to the freezing temperatures and the visibly apparent medical issues from which the dogs were suffering. The investigator took custody of the dogs and transported them to the SPCA of Texas’ facility in Dallas where they received immediate veterinary care.

The dogs received forensic evaluations that indicated that they both suffered from various medical concerns. One of the dogs, an adult Rottweiler, had an untreated ruptured eyeball that was oozing, infected and painful. The other dog was covered in tumor-like masses. Both dogs were infested with fleas, causing raw and itchy skin and they both had advanced stages of dental disease. The dogs received treatment immediately, including pain control, and are being monitored closely during the process of recovery.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, SPCA of Texas ACI Investigators located the alleged owner of the dogs, Kathleen Marie Curtis, and acquired enough information to apply for and obtain warrants for her arrest.

“This case is heartbreaking,” said SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator, Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit, Courtney Burns, CAWA. “Not only did these dogs show signs that they have been suffering from long-term neglect, but they were abandoned outside on the curb like trash in the freezing cold.

“Both dogs have a long road to recovery ahead of them, but they are in good spirits, and we are looking forward to the day that they are able to find an adopter to give them the love and care that they deserve.”

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.

Kathleen Marie Curtis, mugshot

The dogs received forensic evaluations that indicated that they both suffered from various medical concerns. One of the dogs, an adult Rottweiler, had an untreated ruptured eyeball that was oozing, infected and painful.

The other dog was covered in tumor-like masses. Both dogs were infested with fleas, causing raw and itchy skin and they both had advanced stages of dental disease. The dogs began treatment immediately, including pain control, and are being monitored closely during the process of recovery.

Two adult dogs were discovered on a couch that was sitting outside by the curb of the Van Zandt County property. At the time, in this area, it was 23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills in the teens and the dogs were shivering due to the extreme cold without any protection from the elements.

It was evident at that time that both dogs had been abandoned and needed urgent intervention due to the freezing temperatures and the visibly apparent medical issues from which the dogs were suffering. The investigator took custody of the dogs and transported them to the SPCA of Texas’ facility in Dallas where they received immediate veterinary care.