Smith County Animal Control has been awarded custody of nearly 60 dogs seized from Michael Jones and Kerry Jones, two Tyler brothers accused of animal cruelty linked to a suspected dogfighting operation.
The agreement was made by the parties ahead of a scheduled Thursday afternoon civil court hearing, which was canceled. The canceled hearing stemmed from a prior continuation on Sept. 18 due to the Jones brothers securing legal representation that same morning.
The custody arrangement was finalized during a meeting between the attorneys and the judge in chambers, officials confirmed Thursday.
“Both parties have agreed to surrender or sign over all the animals to Smith County,” said Amber Greene, supervisor of Smith County Animal Control.
As of Thursday afternoon, Greene said the judge still needed to formally sign the order and get it to the District Attorney’s office.
Animal welfare activists rally in support of the seized dogs, displaying heartfelt signs that call for legislative changes and greater protections for animals in the South. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
Advocates and animal welfare activists gathered outside the Smith County Courthouse Annex ahead of the scheduled hearing. Many of them traveled from out of town to show support for the dogs, including some from Austin and Houston. Supporters held signs that said “Cowards or murderers. Which do y’all prefer? (Because) y’all are both!!”, “The time for change is now,” “End dog fighting or end dog fighters,” and “Blessed hands don’t do the devil’s work.”
Supporters were disheartened to find out the court hearing was canceled. They were hoping to show up in the courtroom in solidarity for the dogs.
“We showed back up today to support the dogs … to be the voice for the voiceless,” said Summer Clark, a resident of Marshall and one of many advocates who came to show support. “So to come over and not be able to hear what happened or be able to advocate for on behalf of the dogs was disappointing.”
In many jurisdictions, discussions prior to hearings can occur to facilitate negotiations, clarify legal issues, discuss procedural matters or, in this instance, come to an agreement or stipulation in a civil case. These discussions aim to promote resolution and streamline the legal process. However, for some advocates, the cancellation of the hearing underscores the importance of open judicial proceedings and the public’s right to be informed of legal matters.
“I made it a point to be here and I get here and find out that it’s canceled or they had met in privacy, which I guess they’re entitled to, but I also feel like if they have the right to meet in privacy, then who’s speaking up — other than the district attorney — on behalf of the dogs?” asked Dina Carroll, a representative from Friends of Jefferson Animals, based in Marion County. “Was there representation for them there, the ones that have no voice?” (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
“I made it a point to be here and I get here and find out that it’s canceled or they had met in privacy, which I guess they’re entitled to, but I also feel like if they have the right to meet in privacy, then who’s speaking up — other than the district attorney — on behalf of the dogs?” asked Dina Carroll, a representative from Friends of Jefferson Animals, based in Marion County. “Was there representation for them there, the ones that have no voice?”
While many are relieved the suspects will not be getting the dogs back, there are mixed feelings about custody being awarded to Smith County Animal Control, which euthanizes animals when they say it is needed due to space, health or safety concerns.
“I would hope that the dogs are not seen as a burden,” Carroll said. “I would hope that the clock is not ticking for them. I would hope that they are given a fair shake as far as temperament and evaluations go.”
“I hope that the county does what they’re supposed to do and give those dogs the second chance that they deserve and don’t just euthanize because they were fighting dogs,” Clark added.
Prior to the seizure, Smith County Animal Control had 31 dogs and was making significant efforts to get those dogs adopted to alleviate overcrowding that was exacerbated by the influx of dogs from the suspected fighting operation. According to Greene, the majority of those dogs were picked up by a rescue; one was adopted; and two had to be euthanized due to aggressive behavior, she said Thursday. She noted there are currently seven adoptable dogs remaining, with five set to leave the shelter soon for a rescue.
The dogs in custody are not yet ready for adoption or fostering until they undergo evaluation by a behaviorist, who will assess their temperament and determine the appropriate rehabilitation steps.
“There’s a majority of them who do have aggression toward other animals; not all of them are like that, but there is a majority that do,” Greene said. “This particular behaviorist specializes in fight-bred pit bulls, so she knows what she’s looking for. If there is a chance that they can be rehabilitated, even if they go to a home by themselves, that’s what she’s looking for.”
The animal shelter is unable to accept any more animals at this time.
Local advocates are pushing for more legislative changes to strengthen protections for animals and prevent cases of cruelty like this from occurring in the future. They are calling for measures that would enhance enforcement of existing laws, improve oversight in shelters, and ensure resources are available for the rehabilitation of animals rescued from abusive situations.
“It’s sad because we work with a lot of rescues up north, and they don’t have the troubles that we have in the south,” Clark said. “I hate to say that, but it’s true.”
The advocates claim that the north does not face the same overpopulation issues as the south, highlighting the positives of spay and neuter initiatives in place and strict prosecution for suspects in animal cruelty cases which raises public awareness.
“It’s time for the government in our areas to do the same,” Clark said. “We’ve got people here that want change … we need legislation changes. Something needs to be done.”
They pointed out the prevalence of backyard breeders and how easy it is to pick up stray dogs from parking lots. The advocates concluded that without significant legislative changes, these problems are likely to continue.
“This isn’t an animal problem, it’s a people problem,” Carroll said. “It’s certainly not going to get better until our lawmakers decide that we need to enact certain ordinances to prevent these sorts of things from happening at the level they’re happening at now.”
Case background
Sixty-one animals – 59 dogs, two cats – were rescued from a mobile home on County Road 4136 earlier this month. Smith County Animal Control was called out to the property after an anonymous tipster told officials they believed dogs were living in horrible conditions and a dog was possibly eating another.
Prior to the Sept. 9 bust of what police believe is a dogfighting ring at the Joneses property, officers had been called out to this home before. The calls were to investigate reports of possible dogfighting, but “no dogs or corroborating evidence could be located on the property” until Sept. 9, according to an arrest affidavit.
Animal control officers arrived at the 9-acre property on County Road 4136 last week to find dozens of injured dogs. Some were confined in cages or make-shift kennels while others were found in a shed, tied to treadmills where they were being forced to “work out” with heavy weights on their necks, police said. The dogs had no ventilation or air conditioning in 85-degree weather and were susceptible to heat stroke or death, an investigator said in an arrest affidavit. Others were chained in the yard.
The dogs were malnourished with their ribs showing, according to the affidavit. Greene said the animals didn’t have any access to clean water.
Many of the dogs had fresh injuries with visible blood and scars “consistent with being fought,” the affidavit states. Injuries ranged from minor to severe; one dog had part of its bottom jaw missing while another had its nose removed, possibly from a bite, the document states. Others had scars. Some of the dogs were lethargic and unable to move.
In the affidavit, police went on to say there was a rectangular area that was boxed in with walls and carpet in a large wooden building, where dried blood was found. This is believed to be a “dogfighting arena,” police said. Bite/break sticks were also found, in addition to weighted collars and canine medications, including tranquilizer.
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