James Henry Eubanks was sentenced to six years in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison on September 6, 2024, after pleading guilty to Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, a third-degree felony.
The sentencing occurred on July 11, 2024, in the 294th District Court of Van Zandt County, presided over by Judge Chris Martin. Eubanks, who was arrested on January 19, 2024, was booked into the Van Zandt County Jail and later transferred to the TCDJ system.
The case began with an investigation by the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities discovered 10 Pitbull-type dogs on Eubanks' property near Wills Point, Texas, where temperatures had plummeted to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Of the 10 dogs, three were found deceased, confined to kennels, while the remaining four were found running loose, attempting to escape the freezing wind. Investigators reported that the dogs had no access to food, and all available water had frozen solid.
The SPCA of Texas determined that the dogs were deprived of essential care, including food, water, and shelter. Under Texas Penal Code 42.092, an offense involving cruelty to animals, such as intentional or reckless torture or causing serious bodily injury to an animal, is classified as a third-degree felony. The SPCA's involvement followed a complaint from a concerned citizen who reported the distressing conditions of the dogs.
