The gruesome discovery of dozens of dead dogs near Shallowater had led to the arrest of the owner. Terry Cook, 43, now faces four misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty.
Cook was the tenant of a mobile home just west of Shallowater. When he was evicted last week, sheriff`s deputies found dozens of dead dogs on the property, mostly puppies. Two other dogs were dying inside the home without water. Dogs were found eating other dogs just to stay alive and carcasses were scattered across the area.
In all, 11 dogs have now been saved, treated and are up for adoption.
Cook could face up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Many local pet organizations wondered why this isn`t a felony. The district attorney`s office says felony animal cruelty charges can only be filed if a person has two prior convictions of cruelty to animals. Cook has never been charged with the offense.
Some of the dogs have already been adopted, but many more still need homes. Your chance to adopt one of them, or others, is this Saturday at Petsmart, 6801 Slide Road, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. You can also donate to help with the dogs` treatment by calling the Lubbock Pet Project at 368-8218. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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