Deputies find 38 abused dogs

SMITH COUNTY – An investigation into a dog theft case in May has led to the uncovering of extreme animal abuse at a Smith County home and officials are now seeking information on the suspect who has reportedly left town.

According to a press release from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first received a report of two stolen dogs after a witness saw a delivery driver pick up the animals. After the driver never returned the dogs, despite being told to by their supervisor, the case was turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division.

According to our news partner KETK, investigators identified the driver as 57-year-old Susan Garrett and responded to her residence to recover the two stolen dogs from a family member. While at the location, investigators observed a strong smell of feces and urine coming from inside the home and the backyard. The dogs were returned to their owner “covered in fleas, matted with feces and showing signs of weight loss,” the press release states.

As Garrett was not at her home when officers first retrieved the stolen dogs, investigators returned the next day to speak to her and again smelled the “same strong odor and heard numerous dogs barking inside the home.” The sheriff’s office said that due to the condition of the recovered dogs and circumstances, Smith County Animal Control was contacted to assist. After Garrett allowed them to enter her home, investigators and animal control officers discovered “extremely unsanitary living conditions” for humans and for the 38 dogs that were found throughout the inside and outside of the home.

“Investigators observed layers of dried and fresh feces throughout the home, as well as a non-functioning air conditioner, resulting in stagnant and unhealthy air quality,” the sheriff’s office said. “All of the dogs appeared dirty and exhibited signs of skin issues.”

Following the visit to her home, investigators obtained two arrest warrants for Garrett for theft of property and cruelty to non-livestock animals with bonds totaling to $15,000. The sheriff’s office is now searching for Garrett on those charges, who has reportedly left town with her whereabouts unknown. Officials ask that anyone with information about her location contact the sheriff’s office at 903-566-6600.

The dogs have since been removed from the residence and Smith County Animal Control has is seeking foster homes. Anyone interested in fostering may contact animal control 903-266-4303.