Charles L. Brumbelow and Darla D. Brumbelow Charged with Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals

DALLAS; VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TX — On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the SPCA of Texas’ Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit assisted the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office in the arrest of a man and woman who allegedly mistreated a dog on their property. Charles Lewis Brumbelow and Darla Deanna Brumbelow, owners of the dog, were arrested, booked into the Van Zandt County Jail, and charged with cruelty to nonlivestock animals. Their bond was set at $5,000 each, and they have since bonded out.

Charles Lewis Brumbelow and Darla Deanna Brumbelow mugshots

Earlier that day, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call on a property near Edgewood, Texas, and discovered an adult male shepherd mix-type dog chained to a tree. At the time, temperatures were approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit with sleeting conditions, and the dog did not have access to shelter to protect him from the elements. The dog appeared emaciated, with ribs visible through his fur, which was coated in ice.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office contacted the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit, which immediately responded to the scene to assist. Charles Brumbelow and Darla Brumbelow agreed to surrender the dog to the SPCA of Texas. The dog was transported to the SPCA of Texas’ Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center in Dallas, where he is currently being treated for starvation.

“Cases like this highlight the dangers of leaving dogs outdoors and unprotected during inclement weather,” said SPCA of Texas ACI Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. “Especially for a dog in this condition, these circumstances created a serious and potentially fatal risk. We appreciate the swift response of the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, which allowed our unit to intervene and get this dog the help he needed.”

The SPCA of Texas continues to support the Van Zandt 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 ACI Unit at spca.org/abuse.

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle, and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas. The organization also maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties. The SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for 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, the State of Texas, the federal government, or any national humane organization. To learn more, visit spca.org.

-30-

View Photos Here

All photos: courtesy SPCA of Texas