The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is seeking public help in two ongoing animal cruelty investigations after the discovery of three deceased dogs in two separate incidents.
On February 26, 2025, two deceased dogs were found discarded in trash bags bound by orange baling twine along Burns Road in Midway.
According to the sheriff’s office, the dogs—a male chocolate lab and a young adult male shepherd mix—both had apparent gunshot wounds to their abdomens and chests, consistent with buckshot. Neither of the dogs had collars or microchips.
On March 12, 2025, a third animal cruelty case was reported. The body of an adult brindle dog, still wearing an orange collar, was discovered tied to a guardrail in the 5300 block of FM 1372 in North Zulch.
The collar and tether were collected as evidence and authorities took the deceased dog to Texas A&M for an autopsy, funded by local nonprofit Rufus Refuge. Preliminary results showed severe trauma throughout the dog’s body, and it is believed the animal was tied to the guardrail while still alive before being struck by a vehicle.
In a statement on Facebook, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep concern over these incidents and wrote: “Studies show that 71 percent of domestic violence crimes reported that their abuser also targeted pets. Also, in one study of families under investigation for suspected child abuse, researchers found that pet abuse had occurred in 88 percent of the families under supervision for physical abuse of their children.”
A shot from the roadside where one of the dogs was found.
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
A spokesperson for Madison County Sheriff’s Office told Newsweek: “So far there are no leads. There are no indications that the cases are connected.”
Local residents expressed their outrage on social media. Lillye S. Smith commented: “Sick people. Hope you are found and held to the highest charges.” Evan Dyer added: “These demonic people need to be found fast before people become their next victims.”
Others voiced their support for the sheriff’s office’s efforts. “Thank you, Madison County Sheriff, for looking into this matter,” said Kelly Dlight, while Karen Caldwell wrote: “Absolutely sickening.”
“Thank you for taking these animal cruelty cases seriously,” wrote Leslie Montes. “Hoping those involved are caught and face penalties and fines.”
The two incidents are currently part of active investigations and the sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We take crimes against animals very seriously,” the sheriff’s office said on its Facebook page. “If you have any information that may assist in these investigations, please contact us at 936-348-2755 or submit an anonymous tip online through Crime Stoppers at P3Tips.com.”
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