SPCA of Texas Announces Rescue of 16 Dogs from Property in Van Zandt County

Court date for suspect accused of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals Set for Wednesday, October 15, 2025

DALLAS; VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TEXAS – On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit rescued 16 small dogs from a property in Van Zandt County.

A civil custody hearing will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Courthouse located at 1540 FM 279, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754, with the Honorable Judge Scott Shinn presiding.

The SPCA of Texas ACI Unit responded to the location in rural Van Zandt County on Monday, Oct. 6th, after receiving an anonymous request for a welfare check on an unoccupied rural property. When the ACI Unit arrived, they heard dogs barking, saw vultures circling the area, and investigated. Realizing the dogs were neglected and living in inhumane conditions, the team worked to obtain a seizure warrant for the animals.

The seizure warrant was obtained the morning of Oct. 7th, and the team returned to the property to execute the warrant the same morning. A thorough inspection found filthy raised kennels, many without adequate shelter; rough, uneven flooring beneath them; padlocks on every kennel; dirty water contaminated with feces; and live maggots swarming the area beneath the kennels. Many of the animals—primarily Yorkies, Dachshunds and Chihuahuas—had matted fur, apparent hair loss, and extremely long toenails. At least two of the dogs were pregnant. The dog owner did not live on the property.

All of the dogs were seized and transported to the SPCA of Texas Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center for evaluation and treatment. Initial findings during a forensic evaluation revealed that the dogs suffered from a high load of intestinal parasites, flea infestations and dental disease. Two of the dogs tested positive for heartworms.

“Evidence shows that these dogs have suffered greatly from the cruelty and neglect they experienced,” said SPCA of Texas’ ACI Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. “However, they were friendly and sweet—very happy to have been rescued. This just enhances the reality that canines are resilient and understand when someone is there to help them and stop their pain.”

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. To learn more and to report suspected animal cruelty or abuse, visit https://spca.org/abuse.

View photos from the case.