SPCA of Texas rescues abandoned dogs, woman arrested
Posted/updated on: January 31, 2025 at 4:34 am
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, two abandoned dogs were rescued in freezing conditions at a Van Zandt County house on Jan. 20 after their owner was evicted and is now facing charges of animal cruelty. “An Investigator with the SPCA of Texas’ Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit responded to the property and discovered two adult dogs on a couch that was sitting outside by the curb,” the SPCA of Texas said. “At the time, in this area, it was 23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills in the teens and the dogs were shivering due to the extreme cold without any protection from the elements.”
Officials determined that both dogs needed urgent care due to the freezing temperatures and visible medical issues they were suffering. The investigator took custody of the dogs and transported them to their Dallas facility where they obtained immediate veterinary care.
“One of the dogs, an adult Rottweiler, had an untreated ruptured eyeball that was oozing, infected and painful,” the SPCA of Texas said. “The other dog was covered in tumor-like masses. Both dogs were infested with fleas, causing raw and itchy skin and they both had advanced stages of dental disease.”
The dogs received treatment for pain control and will be monitored closely during their recovery process.
“Both dogs have a long road to recovery ahead of them, but they are in good spirits, and we are looking forward to the day that they are able to find an adopter to give them the love and care that they deserve.”
On Jan. 21, investigators located the owner, Kathleen Marie Curtis, and obtained warrants for her arrest. She was charged with animal cruelty and abandonment and neglect, her bond was set at $20,000.
The ACI unit responds to thousands of animal cruelty cases each year in Texas rescuing animals like the two dogs in Van Zandt county. Chief Investigator of the SPCA Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Courtney Burns said cases like these are heartbreaking and people need to be held accountable.
To support the SPCA of Texas’ efforts to rescue and find homes for animals from cases of cruelty and neglect people can visit their website.
