Federal agents seized 88 German Shepherds from an East Texas breeding ranch after investigators say they uncovered widespread neglect and evidence that some animals had been killed to cover up abuse. Many of the dogs were described as gravely ill, and rescue groups say they are now getting emergency medical treatment and slowly starting rehabilitation at a large no-kill shelter in South Florida.
According to FOX San Antonio, the December 29 raid at the Giant German Shepherd Ranch in Hopkins County led the FBI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare the animals unsafe and remove them from the property. Rescue teams ultimately accounted for 88 German Shepherds taken off the ranch for immediate care, the outlet reported.
A former worker at the ranch handed over videos and photos that appeared to show a dog identified as Kerra being tied to a tree and shot, and told CBS News Texas, “During my employment, I witnessed and documented extreme neglect, unethical practices, and criminal acts involving dogs.” The material helped spur a wider investigation by local and federal authorities…