Attorneys for both sides are working out the process for returning about 200 dogs to Alpha Tex Kennels near Lockney. A jury in Canyon Friday determined owners Mark and Sandra Smith did not treat the canines cruelly.Floyd County's sheriff seized the dogs after receiving an animal welfare complaint in September. West Texas Humane Society volunteers coordinated placing them in foster locations across the state.
Attorney David Guinn, who's not connected to the case, said reuniting the Smiths with their dogs could be a long difficult process and is new legal territory.
“Everything in this statute, for good or not, is geared toward the State of Texas. So now it came out differently,” Guinn said. “The state didn't get lucky. People on a jury heard the whole case for a week and made a decision that the law doesn't really speak to. Now what do they do?”
A written statement from the Humane Society of West Texas said while the organization disagrees with the verdict in the case, it is working with lawyers to ensure compliance with the court's orders. The HSWT is also asking foster caregivers to call or email the organization if they have not already been contacted.
The Humane Society of West Texas released this statement:
In September, the Humane Society of West Texas (HSWT) was asked by Floyd County to assist in transporting and caring for dogs rescued during a seizure. While in the care of HSWT volunteers, the dogs received tremendous love, care and veterinary attention. While we disagree with verdict in the case, we are working with the lawyers involved to ensure the return of the dogs in compliance with the Court’s orders. We are thankful for the opportunity to assist the Sheriff and are deeply grateful for the support the community has shown for these special animals.
Due to time constraints, we ask any fosters of the German Shepherds who have not already been contacted by the HSWT to please contact us in any of the following ways:
806-466-6644
806-466-1310
hswtgsfosters@gmail.com
Currently, the HSWT places over 1,000 stray dogs and cats into good, safe homes in our community each year. Events such as this one are critical to our ability to continue this important mission.
The HSWT is a 501 C-3 non-profit, volunteer-run local organization, funded through donations. Our organization receives no funds from taxes, animal shelters, or national humane societies.
