A man working a location near the 3900 block of Reese Drive in Venus on Monday alerted Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies after he saw several dogs tied up in a backyard that appeared to be in distress.
Deputy Bradley Elkins responded to the location at 11:57 a.m. where, walking to the back of the residence, he observed eight pit bull mix dogs. The dogs appeared malnourished and very skinny with their ribs and vertebrae protruding against their skin, according to sheriff’s office reports.
Elkins noted the dogs had scars on their bodies and were chained with large chains to truck axles, which had been driven into the ground. Some dogs appeared to be in the beginning stages of mange. Their drinking water was green in color, appeared to have algae in it and was stagnant, Elkins said.
Elkins also noted a strong odor of animal feces, as the area had not been cleaned, and the smell of decaying animal.
Elkins said he heard other dogs further back in the property but could not see them because of high grass, weeds and sunflowers. Through further investigation, Elkins and Cpl. Ken Bartlett located a German shepherd dog mix, which was in the same condition as the others.
Detectives Steve Shaw and G.E. Bennett joined the search and located three more pit bull mix dogs, also in malnourished condition.
Shaw noted that the height of the grass and weeds prevented any natural cooling for the dogs as it allowed virtually no wind current where they were chained.
Deputies obtained a warrant for seizure of the dogs and returned with employees of the Humane Society of North Texas. They retrieved 36 live but malnourished dogs and four deceased dogs. Officials transported the dogs to the Humane Society’s shelter in Fort Worth.
The incident remains under investigation, and no arrests or charges have been made, said Cpl. Pam Jetsel with the sheriff’s office.
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Deputies seize 36 pit bulls
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May/June 2012 Community Life magazine
The May/June 2012 edition of Community Life magazine is available for online viewing. Click here to view.
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Primary election today
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator. Primary election day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their precinct location. For information visit the Johnson County Election Office’s website at www.JohnsonCountyElections.com or call 817-556-6197.
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Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
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A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
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Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
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Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
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Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
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Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
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Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
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Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
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