East Texas

Custody of 247 dogs rescued from a Gladewater puppy mill two weeks ago was settled by an Upshur County Judge this morning.

The SPCA of Texas was awarded custody of the mostly small breed dogs and $24,700 in restitution, said written communication from the nonprofit organization.
On Sept. 26, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and SPCA of Texas rescued hundreds of dogs from a rural area in Gladewater, where they were being housed in unclean and improper kennels.

The dogs were suffering from malnutrition, matted fur, and ill health, said Maura Daives, director of communications for Texas SPCA.

After being removed from the area, the dogs were bused to a SPCA shelter in McKinney and have since been groomed and received medical care, Ms. Daives said.

The dogs will be up for adoption on a case by case basis starting Oct. 13 at the SPCA shelters in Dallas and McKinney.

The dogs’ alleged previous owner, Teresa Dawson, 51, of Gladewater, was arrested Sept. 24 on charges of felony cruelty to animals.

Her case has yet to go to trial.

This dog and 246 others were rescued from an alleged puppy mill in Gladewater on Sept. 26.
(Staff photo by Jaime R. Carrero)