TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – As of Wednesday, 16 dogs rescued from an alleged dogfighting ring North of Tyler are up for adoption and looking for loving families.
Five dogs are in the care of Nicholas Pet Haven and the other 11 are at the Smith County Animal Shelter.
Dr. Gary Spence and his team were brought six of the dogs in need of serious medical attention back in September 2024 when animal control collected more than 60 dogs from a property on CR 4136 in Tyler.
One was recently adopted, but five remain – their healing observed and overseen every day since by Dr. Spence.
“They’re all ready for adoption, but, again, you’ve got to realize where these dogs came from – how these dogs have lived their lives, which they thought was normal,” he said.
All 16 dogs between the rescue and shelter have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
“They’re fat and healthy,” said Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene about the 11 in her care. “It’s very enlightening to see from where they come from to the way that they act and they are now.”
Nine of the 11 are considered Hero Dogs, because they donate blood to the Tyler Animal Emergency Hospital to save other dogs’ lives.
“They’ve gone from a very horrible situation, and they have turned 180 degrees, and they are ready to become part of a family,” said Greene.
Adoption applications are open to anyone, but before any dog can be taken home, the shelter will conduct background checks on the applicants. They also will require a meet and greet between any dog(s) an owner currently has and the dog(s) they are looking to adopt.
Adoptions at the shelter are free through the month of January.
“These guys certainly don’t deserve what they’ve been through,” said Dr. Spence, who was promptly given a big kiss by one of the dogs he has treated.
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