TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Shelter Pets Fur People received custody of three dogs seized from a property in Tyler after the freeze in January.
According to arrest warrant affidavits obtained by KLTV, the Tyler Police Department was contacted by a person concerned for the dogs’ well-being.
One officer responded to the situation and noted the dogs’ appearance of malnourishment, stating in the affidavit they had “exposed ribs.” The officer also noted none of the dogs had proper shelter to protect them from the elements and extreme cold.
Upon these discoveries, the owner, Urias Actopan, 25, was given 24 hours to get the dogs proper shelter, and when he failed to do so, he and his mother Ruth Actopan, 59, were arrested and booked into Smith County Jail on five charges each of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
The charge is a Class A misdemeanor. It’s punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
It was also determined the female of the surviving three dogs gave birth to a litter of five just before the freeze. None of the puppies survived due to malnourishment and/or freezing temperatures.
“It’s sad. You have to provide food, water and shelter for these animals,” said Tyler PD Community Response Officer Kerri Long. “Take care of your animals and you won’t see us.”
The dogs were rescued from the Tyler shelter by Nicholas’ Pet Haven and Pets Fur People to avoid euthanization.
“People thought possibly they were not adoptable. We did pick them up,” said Pets Fur People Executive Director Holli Jones. “We’ve had them vetted. They are amazing dogs and will make wonderful pets.”
As another freezing forecast looms in the coming days, shelter volunteer Skylar Clark said to be vigilant in protecting your own pets as well as speaking up for others if you see something worth reporting.
“The first thing you want to do is report it to your local authorities. If they don’t do anything, take photos and videos and send it to us, but always report to them first so there is a case on file, so that they do have record that there was a report,” said Clark.
All three surviving dogs are up for adoption at Pets Fur People.
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