Court ruling keeps dogs at Smith County animal shelter

SMITH COUNTY — Our news partner KETK is reporting that the Smith County Animal Shelter will continue to care for the 44 dogs that were seized last month at a home in Troup after a ruling on Wednesday. A hearing was held where Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace James Meredith ruled for the shelter to keep custody of the dogs who were found malnourished with skin disorders, overgrown nails and possible gastrointestinal disorders.

The woman who lived on the property had died, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said. Now, the woman’s daughter will have 10 days to appeal the decision, but will be required to pay $24,000 to reverse the appeal. Since the shelter has taken custody of the animals, a veterinarian has examined the rescued dogs.

Over the weekend, the Smith County Animal Shelter posted on Facebook that the shelter is ‘operating with a limited staff’. Fire Marshal Chad Hogue was also named acting supervisor. Commissioner John Moore tells our news partner KETK, the shelter is presently reaching maximum capacity. The overflow is due to 44 malnourished dogs that were rescued from a residence in Troup and taken to the shelter.