Authorities Seize 37 Dogs in Upshur County Raid; 3 Found Dead

GILMER � Authorities say they seized 37 ill-treated dogs and arrested two people Wednesday morning. The SPCA rescued the dogs at a private residence in the Indian Rock Community off Farm Road 1650 and Highway 154 East near Gilmer, according to Upshur County Precinct 1 Constable Gene Dolle. KETK reports law enforcement obtained warrants to search the property after Longview animal control and the SPCA alerted Dolle�s office to the alleged criminal activity in his jurisdiction. Authorities say they confirmed the allegations by sending an undercover agent onto the grounds.

Officials had initially searched a home in the city of Longview following reports of animal mistreatment, but the location had already been abandoned by the time SPCA arrived with animal control. During seizure of the animals, three dead dogs were found. Dolle stated they were killed by other dogs and one animal had its head torn from the body. Most animals were in bad to moderate shape, said Dolle.

Two men were taken into custody on charges of cruelty to animals/torture (felony), cruelty to animals (misdemeanor A), possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities did not immediately release the names of the men believed responsible, pending their arraignment. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in this case.