SPCA of Texas Assists in Cruelty Investigation Resulting in Arrest of Hunt County Woman

DALLAS, TX — The SPCA of Texas’ Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit assisted the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office in the arrest of a woman who allegedly tortured and killed a cat on Saturday, April 12, 2025, Amy Dawn Hagman. Hagman was charged with Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals – Torture, a third-degree felony, and Assault – Family Violence, Causing Bodily Injury, a Class A Misdemeanor, taken into custody, and booked into the Hunt County Jail. Bail for the Animal Cruelty charge was set at $10K, and at $1K for the Assault charge.

According to law enforcement officials, the suspect allegedly smothered and strangled a cat after it entered her flower bed earlier in the day. The SPCA of Texas took possession of the deceased cat and transported the remains to the organization’s Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center in Dallas on Monday, April 14, 2025. A forensic necropsy was performed by an SPCA of Texas Forensic Veterinarian that day.

Mug Shot, Amy Dawn Hagman courtesy Hunt County Sheriff’s Department

The forensic findings determined that twine had been wrapped twice around the cat’s neck, knotted, and additionally secured to a rear leg. Evidence of grass in the cat’s mouth and abrasions around the lips and muzzle were consistent with both smothering and mechanical asphyxiation.

“The results of the necropsy confirmed what deputies on scene feared—that this animal experienced significant suffering,” said Courtney Burns, Chief Investigator of the SPCA of Texas’ ACI Unit. “These cases are heartbreaking, but the forensic evidence is critical to ensuring that justice is pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”

The SPCA of Texas continues to support the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation and remains committed to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect.

To report suspected animal cruelty in your community, please contact your local law enforcement or the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit at spca.org/cruelty.

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, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty 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 entity 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.

The SPCA of Texas’ Dallas Animal Care Campus, located at 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas 75212, remains open every day from Noon to 6 p.m. The facility houses a variety of adoptable dogs and cats and is also available for fostering. To reach the Dallas campus, call 214-742-7722 or visit spca.org.