SPCA of Texas Announces Arrest of Van Zandt County Resident for Animal Cruelty

Kenneth Wayne Adams Being Held on $25K Bond

GRAND SALINE, TEXAS — On Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a property in Grand Saline, Texas, following a report of deceased animals. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two deceased adult pit bull mix-type dogs chained outdoors to trees on the property. Both dogs were severely emaciated, with visible ribs and spines, and appeared to have died recently. One dog was found curled inside a small doghouse, while the other was found lying on its side and exposed to the elements during a period when temperatures in the area had dropped below freezing.

Sheriff’s deputies detained the property owners and contacted the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit, which responded immediately to the scene.

Upon arrival, SPCA of Texas investigators made contact with property owner Kenneth Wayne Adams, who stated that the owner of the deceased dogs had moved out approximately two weeks earlier. Adams told investigators that he owned dogs himself and that they were kept inside the residence. Adams allowed investigators to observe the dogs and their living conditions.

Inside the residence, investigators observed five live dogs: two Cane Corso-type dogs, one Boxer-type dog, one mixed-breed dog and one Chihuahua mix. Conditions inside the home were unsanitary, with urine and feces present on the floor. Four of the five dogs showed visible signs of neglect, and two were extremely emaciated and in need of immediate medical intervention. The Chihuahua mix appeared to be in good condition. Adams stated that the Chihuahua belonged to an acquaintance and that he was caring for the dog while the owner was in the process of moving.

“Responsibility for an animal does not disappear when circumstances change,” said SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. “When someone accepts care, custody or control of an animal, they also accept a legal and moral obligation to provide basic necessities such as food, water and appropriate shelter. Failing to do so, as the evidence in this case demonstrates, can result in devastating and sometimes fatal consequences. The SPCA of Texas would like to thank the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office for their swift response and professionalism in securing the scene and initiating the investigation.”

Adams declined to surrender custody of all the dogs but agreed to surrender the two live dogs in the poorest condition, as well as the bodies of the two deceased dogs found outside. The surrendered live and deceased dogs were transported that same day to the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center in Dallas, where they received specialized veterinary care and forensic evaluations.

On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit returned to the property with search and seizure warrants and removed the remaining three dogs. Those dogs were transported to the SPCA of Texas facility in Dallas for evaluation and care.

Veterinary forensic examinations determined that the two deceased dogs died after the alleged previous owner moved out and left them in Adams’ care. Forensics further revealed that the cause of death for the two deceased dogs found in the care, custody and control of Adams was starvation and dehydration due to neglect. Examinations also revealed that four of the five live dogs suffered from prolonged starvation, dehydration and parasites.

This case comes during Unchain Your Dog Month, an annual public awareness initiative highlighted by the Texas Humane Legislation Network, and marks four years since the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act went into effect in Texas. The law establishes minimum standards of care for dogs kept outdoors, including access to adequate shelter, potable water and protection from extreme weather conditions.

A civil custody hearing was held on Dec. 23, 2025, in the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Court with Judge Don Ashlock presiding. The SPCA of Texas was awarded custody of two of the three seized dogs after Judge Ashlock determined that they had been cruelly treated. Custody of the Chihuahua mix was ordered returned to its original owner, who attended the hearing and claimed ownership. The dog was spayed, vaccinated and microchipped by the SPCA of Texas before being returned to the owner.

On Jan. 5, 2026, the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit obtained an arrest warrant for Adams through the Van Zandt County Court at Law, Judge Joshua Wintters presiding. Adams was taken into custody the same day by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, Texas Penal Code 42.092, torture, a third-degree felony. A person commits an offense of this nature by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly torturing, killing or causing serious bodily injury to an animal in a cruel manner by causing unjustifiable pain and suffering. Adams is being held on a $25,000 bond.

Warning: Images at the following link contain graphic content that may be disturbing to some viewers. All photographs: courtesy SPCA of Texas https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/osqlpg3wnb9ebm5v39s3l/AIaVSnkrakj1nNQX6wrX8I8?rlkey=1pe56dm1xx52dz5xaharkfaxg&st=rsvwv7l0&dl=0

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 organization 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. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to creating a brighter future for animals, people and the community. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit the website at www.spca.org.

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