Woman arrested after abandoning dog near Lake Tyler

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) arrested a woman following the investigation of a dog that was abandoned near Lake Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Animal Control responded to a report on March 13 of an abandoned dog in the 17600 block of Southpoint Road near Lake Tyler. Upon their arrival they contacted the caller who said they found the puppy abandoned at Hill Creek Park on Lake Tyler.

Officials said the dog, a black and white Pit Bull mix, was taken to the Smith County Animal Shelter and listed for adoption. The sheriff’s office said that a Facebook comment had tagged an individual identified as Megan Baldree, 36 of Tyler, as being the owner of the puppy.

Animal Control contacted Baldree to learn why the puppy had been abandoned and she reportedly told them that she gave the puppy to a friend she did not name. After speaking with Baldree, an animal cruelty case was initiated and assigned to a Smith County Sheriff Investigator.
Mugshot of Megan Baldree. Courtesy of Smith County Jail.Mugshot of Megan Baldree. Courtesy of Smith County Jail.

The sheriff’s office said that upon contacting Baldree, she confessed to dropping the puppy at Hill Creek Park. SCSO arrested Baldree who was booked into the Smith County Jail on Thursday for cruelty to a non-livestock animal with a bond set at $3,000. The puppy is currently in the care of Nicholas Pet Haven where they are awaiting adoption into a loving home.