17 dogs taken from Van Zandt County home, man arrested for animal cruelty
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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — The SPCA of Texas has removed 17 dogs from a Van Zandt County residence, all of which appeared to be neglected and a man has been charged in connection to the case.
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The SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit removed 16 Cocker Spaniel dogs and a Boxer dog from a house, all that were “allegedly cruelly confined to deplorable living conditions.” The unit reportedly found the house to be covered in feces and urine.
Skeletal remains of a dog were also found underneath a bed in the house.
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SPCA measured the ammonia level inside the house to be 350 parts per million (ppm). As reference, the organization said short term exposure to any ammonia level over 20 ppm or long term exposure above 12 ppm can cause health problems to humans.
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The fur on the Cocker Spaniels was found to be heavily matted and caked with feces making it hard for them to walk. The SPCA said the dogs were found to be suffering from skin and eye issues. Outside of the house, SPCA reportedly found it to be infested with fleas.
The ACI unit also witnessed dogs eating dry dog food that had been thrown on top of the feces-covered floor in the kitchen.
“These are some of the most horrific living conditions for an animal that I’ve ever seen as an investigator,” said SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator, ACI Unit Courtney Burns, CAWA. “A human being treating another living creature like this is beyond horrific.
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The dogs were transported to the SPCA’s facility in Dallas for treatment and forensic evaluations. The ACI said they will pursue criminal animal cruelty charges in this case. Investigators found that the dogs were deprived of the necessary food, water, shelter and care in a good state of health.
A civil custody hearing for the dogs was held on Monday at the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Court. Kory Wayne Kimble was arrested for cruelty of non-livestock animal and has since posted a $50,000 bond.
People can support the SPCA of Texas’ efforts by donating on their website.
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