27 animals seized from an East Texas animal sanctuary for cruelty

SMITH COUNTY – 24 dogs and 3 cats have been seized from the Lanellas Rescue and Sanctuary due to alleged animal cruelty, according to our news partner, KETK.

After receiving a tip about animal cruelty on March 24, members of the Smith County Animal Shelter (SCAS) arrived at Lanellas Rescue and Sanctuary, and found several animals to be emaciated.

SCAS supervisor Amber Green told KETK that Lanellas owner Bonnie Kelley was given a time limit to take the animals to the vet to receive rabies shots and vaccinations. In the agreed time period, Kelley reportedly took only seven or eight of the 27 animals to receive care. Due to Kelley failing to meet the agreement, Green said SACS obtained a warrant and seized all 24 dogs and 3 cats from the property.

The seized animals were taken to the vet and received low-body scores. Green told KETK it was also determined that the animals had been starved and extremely malnourished. A trial is set for 9 a.m. on Friday in front of Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Curtis Wulf.

SCAS will then be asking for custody of all the animals, and restitution for medical costs. Following the trial, Green said everything will be handed over to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office to investigate any criminal charges.

Green claimed that Lanellas has been under investigation before, but that SCAS was never able to find any substantial evidence against them. She spoke about what animal shelters and sanctuaries should do to avoid these kinds of situations.

“Stop taking animals when you get to the point where you know you can’t take them anymore,” Green said.