Dogs Left Abandoned, Starving Near Canton

CANTON—The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Texas and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office seized two abandoned and starving dogs on Wednesday morning from property near Canton.

According to a press release from the SPCA, "The dogs were chained outside without appropriate food, water or shelter. Additionally, neighbors reported that the people previously living on the property moved away, abandoning the dogs. Both dogs were so emaciated that they needed immediate medical attention. They are currently being examined for other health problems."

The SPCA received a call from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office regarding the welfare of the dogs and SPCA investigators visited the property and determined that immediate action was necessary due to the dogs’ physical condition.

SPCA of Texas vehicles transported the dogs to the SPCA of Texas’ Martin Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair in Dallas at noon today to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Once released from veterinary care, they will be moved to the SPCA of Texas’ Dealey Animal Care Center in Dallas, where they will be cared for until the custody hearing.

A custody hearing has been set for Tuesday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4 office located at 1540 FM 279 in Ben Wheeler with JP 4 Judge Scott Shinn presiding.

If the SPCA of Texas is awarded custody at that hearing, the dogs would be individually evaluated for potential adoption or placement on a case by case basis.

To help the SPCA of Texas fund future rescues like this and to support the SPCA of Texas’ other programs and services, please visit www.spca.org/helptheanimals. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas visit their Website at www.spca.org.