Dog abuse issue raises ugly head, yet again

V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute

Online Version updates: The following updates were received after press time: Tyler SPCA agreed to take up to 18 dogs. All the remaining dogs from this property, as well as the ones from an earlier raid, were transported to Tyler SPCA on Thursday. A total of 14 dogs were taken to them. Additional remains of several dogs have been found and delivered for necropsy review. All 14 dogs taken were Heart Worm Positive. The Jimplecute has chosen to NOT publish a number of the photographs from this incident due to their graphic nature.

The proper care and treatment of animals in Marion County took another beating last weekend as the Marion County Sheriff’s Office began investigating, and arresting those involved in a new round of animal abuse and neglect. This time in Pine Harbor.

Bobby Dean “Spongebob” Perry Jr., 63, was arrested on 15 counts of Cruelty to Non-Livestock animals on Saturday. He was released on bond.

All-in-all, nine dogs and 5, 4-week or younger puppies found at the property living in a series of pens, without proper food, water or shelter. According to reports, some of the pens were so interconnected no-one could easily enter them to clean them. At least three deceased dogs were also found in the cages. An additional 18 dogs and puppies were found on another property earlier this month.

As Marion County does  not have an animal shelter or animal control officer, volunteer organizations like Friends of Jefferson Animals (FOJA) are left to find fosters and care for the animals.

“We will come out and take care of business,” said Marion County Sheriff David Capps. “But we can only do what the law allows us to do to help with the excessive number of dogs in the area. We also have to work with the space [at the jail] as well. We have to have space for ‘harm to humans’ first when making arrests like this. But these arrests also cause others to start improving their situation with their animals.”

FOJA has found fosters for three dogs and the mother of some of the puppies, but is still seeking more individuals to help.

When FOJA member Dina Carroll arrived on site Sunday, Perry had already been released on bond. Carroll said she explained to Perry that the animals could be removed easily by him agreeing to release them, or she could come back with a court order. Perry agreed to release the animals.

According to Carroll, the incident began when some individuals attending the Pine Harbor Property Owner’s Association monthly meeting, showed photos and videos to Texas State Trooper Brant Smith who had attended the meeting. 

Smith then visited the site and called MCSO requesting they take action.

MCSO Deputy Brent Smith responded, investigated, arrested Perry, and notified FOJA for assistance.

Carroll said FOJA had received $634 in donations as of  Wednesday morning, but a lot more was going to be needed as the animals are in need of veterinary services, food, shelter, and fosters.

Carroll said those interested in helping out can contact FOJA via their website, https://FriendsofJeffersonAnimals.org

Numerous individuals in Pine Harbor have helped create a plan for caring for the animals until they can be permanently removed. 

Those involved have brought in makeshift panels to create new kennels in clean areas, but all the animals are still at the property except for one puppy and one female adult dogs. 

The official report from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has not been completed as of Wednesday morning.

Capps said more information would be forthcoming as this is an ongoing investigation.