A visit by the Milam County Sheriff’s Department to a rural location on the edge of Rockdale resulted in the seizure of 23 dogs and the arrest of their owner.
Sheriff Chris White said one dog had already died at the location with the cause of death “determined to be dehydration.”
White said on Saturday afternoon the department was alerted to a “dog that appeared to have died from the lack of water or proper care.”
Location was the 200 block of Whip-O-Will Drive a rural road off FM 908 just north of the Rockdale city limits.
“We located 13 dogs on the property, eight of which were without any water in the 93-degree heat,” White said.
The sheriff said since nobody was home, and there were no means to contact an owner, the department determined the animals needed immediate protection and a warrant to seize the animals was obtained from Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Greg Hoelscher.
White said the owner, 18-year-old Angel Rivera of Rockdale, arrived at the location about three hours after deputies had begun the investigation.
He was charged with 11 counts of cruelty to animals, Class A misdemeanors.
Rivera was released from the county jail after posting $44,000 bond.
According to White, the dogs were transferred to the City of Cameron Animal Shelter. “That’s where they will be properly cared for until a hearing can be held in reference to the seizure action,” he said.
The sheriff expressed appreciation to Cameron Police Department Animal Control for assisting in transporting and care for the 13 dogs . “Also, thanks to the concerned citizens who sent us the information.” White said.
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