TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Thursday, Smith County was given custody of 60 animals seized from a suspected dogfighting ring in Tyler.
The animals were removed from the custody of Kerry Jones, 34, and Michael Jones, 31, both of Tyler, after they were arrested on charges related to dogfighting on Sept. 9. On Thursday, the attorneys came to an agreement and the brothers made the decision to transfer custody of the dogs to Smith County.
Civil District Attorney Thomas Wilson confirmed that the decision had been made around 12:30 p.m. and was pending finalization with a signature from Judge Derrick Choice.
The animals have been kept at the Smith County Animal Shelter, which has been over capacity while attempting to find homes for the animals that were in their care prior to the bust. Some of the animals have also been cared for by Tyler veterinarian Dr. Gary Spence, who treated them for malnourishment and extensive injuries apparently related to dogfighting and training practices.
Protestors and animal rights advocates have gathered near the Smith County Courthouse Annex during the proceedings related to the Jones brothers.
“We have got to set an example that this is absolutely not ok. These dogs do not deserve that, you know, they have no voice,” said animal advocate Heather McCarty during a Sept. 18 hearing. “Somebody has to be their voice, and so that’s why we’re here today is to make sure that somebody is speaking for them, because they can’t speak for themselves.”
A crowd was present during the Thursday hearing to voice their support for the animals.
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