Van Zandt County authorities rescue 17 dogs from home

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The SPCA of Texas has removed 17 dogs from a Van Zandt County home, all were neglected and a man has been charged in the case. According to our news partner KETK, arrested was Kory Wayne Kimble who was charged with cruelty of non-livestock animals. The SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations 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.

Authorities measured the ammonia level inside the house to be 350 parts per million. The SPCA says as a reference, short term exposure to any ammonia level over 20 ppm or long term exposure above 12 ppm can cause health problems to humans.

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. Investigators also witnessed dogs eating dry dog food that had been thrown on top of the feces-covered floor in the kitchen.

SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator, ACI Unit Courtney Burns said, “These are some of the most horrific living conditions for an animal that I’ve ever seen as an investigator. A human being treating another living creature like this is beyond horrific.”

The dogs were sent the SPCA Dallas branch for treatment. The SPCA said they are going to pursue criminal animal cruelty charges in the case.

Kimble since posted a $50,000 bond. For those wanting to support the SPCA of Texas, go here.