A public hearing scheduled to determine the custody of nearly 60 dogs from an alleged dogfighting ring was abruptly canceled 45 minutes before it was set to begin on Thursday. Thomas Wilson, Assistant District Attorney for Smith County, announced that the owners of the dogs agreed to relinquish ownership, allowing the state or county to take possession of the animals.
Community members, including Sonja Scarborough of Tyler, expressed frustration over the resolution being settled behind closed doors. “I think it should have been public because there’s such a huge public outcry for what’s been done to the dogs and the two cats,” Scarborough stated.
Wilson noted that such agreements are common, although he was uncertain why the two suspects, Michael and Kerry Jones, decided to divest ownership so close to the hearing. “Usually 90% of these cases, we do not have to have a hearing to dispose, to award the animals to the state,” Wilson explained.
Despite the circumstances, Scarborough and other supporters were relieved that the dogs are now under the care of Smith County Animal Control. “I think that is wonderful and that’s what I’ve been praying for so much, for the dogs to be safe and the cats, too,” she added.
The next steps for the dogs involve assessments for fostering and adoption. Amber Greene, supervisor for Smith County Animal Control, mentioned that she is in contact with the Humane Society of the United States to arrange for a behavioral specialist to evaluate the dogs. The Humane Society will cover the costs for this expert to travel from Florida to assess the health and behavior of the animals in the coming days.
While a decision regarding custody has been reached, the criminal investigation related to the case is ongoing. Sheriff Smith previously stated that authorities will continue to pursue all leads and track down additional individuals connected to this significant operation.
