CUMBY, Texas (KETK) — 56 dogs were seized from a property in Hopkins County, just weeks after a video surfaced on social media showing the owner shooting at a dog and leaving it for dead.

Animal welfare agencies urge responsible pet care after 26 dogs rescued from East Texas property

The owner’s attorneys told KETK News on Monday that the video’s portrayal and the ensuing speculation on social media are misleading. Here’s what we know:

Giant German Shepherds

Kristine Hicks and her family own and operate the Giant German Shepherd’s Ranch in Cumby, where a variety of German Shepherds are bred to serve as family companions, guard dogs, service dogs or working dogs.

Courtesy of the SPCA of Texas

Hicks’ attorney states that for over 20 years, Hicks and her family have been “legally breeding, raising and rescuing” German Shepherds. They have provided dogs to officers in Dallas, Fort Worth and the Waco area. Additionally, the dogs they have bred have been sent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to Army Special Forces and they have donated puppies to disabled Marine veterans.

“Their reputation with law enforcement, military and civilian customers is impeccable and their accolades and experience speak for themselves,” her attorney’s office said.

Arrest made, dogs seized

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office said Hicks was arrested on Dec. 21 and was charged with cruelty to a non-livestock animal. Additional state and federal agencies have been contacted for assistance in the ongoing investigation into the ranch.

Hicks’ lawyers claim that the dog killed in the video had a large mass of tissue that was dragging on the ground and causing the animal discomfort.

<em>Mugshot of Kristine Hicks,</em> <em>Courtesy of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office</em>
Mugshot of Kristine Hicks, Courtesy of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office

Hicks welcomed investigators and the Animal Investigation and Response team to the property on Jan. 1 for an animal welfare check. Their statement claimed that an investigator told them there was no criminal neglect at the ranch.

Yet, shortly after their visit, federal law enforcement contacted the SPCA of Texas to assist in removing the dogs from the property.

“This situation required an immediate and coordinated response for a large number of animals, and we are grateful for our experienced and compassionate staff members whose expertise is critical in providing lifesaving care,” SPCA of Texas senior vp and chief operating officer MeLissa Webber said.

On Saturday, SPCA staff loaded 56 dogs into crates and took them to the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center, where they plan to medically evaluate and forensically examine the animals.

Courtesy of SPCA of Texas

Threats made to Hicks

Hicks and her family have received countless death threats since the video surfaced.

“Every night has become a nightmare as they attempt to return to a sense of normalcy, not knowing whether further verbal or direct threats to their lives will occur. Kerra, the dog referenced in the video, had developed a grapefruit-sized mass on her breast tissue that was dragging on the ground and causing significant discomfort,” Hicks’ lawyers said. “They have been fully cooperative with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Animal Investigation and Response team throughout multiple visits to their property and look forward to clearing their names in court.”

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