DALLAS – A $2,500 contribution, made in recognition of the SPCA of Texas’ Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center, has been added to the reward being offered by the family of a four-year-old Basset Hound named Sheriff, who was allegedly shot and killed in his fenced backyard in Alvarado, Texas. The additional contribution brings the total reward to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.

According to local media reports and the Alvarado Police Department, Sheriff was found deceased on February 25, 2026, in a family member’s backyard in the Stonegate Manor neighborhood of Alvarado.

Sheriff’s owners, Dalton and Katherine Samek, reported that the dog had been shot three to four times with pellets from what is believed to be a pellet gun. The pellets were powerful enough to penetrate Sheriff’s side and cause fatal internal injuries. The Sameks believe the shooting was deliberate and urge anyone with information to come forward.

“The loss of a beloved pet in such a violent way is heartbreaking,” said SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator Courtney Burns. “Acts of cruelty toward animals harm not only the animals themselves, but also the families and communities who love them. We hope the reward encourages anyone with information to help law enforcement bring the person responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information about Sheriff’s shooting death should contact the City of Alvarado Police Department at 817-790-0910 or email police@cityofalvarado.org.

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas County. The entity maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruel situations 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 organization 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 spca.org

-30-