Dozens of Dogs Rescued from Suspected Puppy Mill in Smith County

A rescue group has stepped in to help 44 dogs seized from a property in East Texas amid an investigation into alleged puppy-mill conditions.

On Sept. 19, authorities in Smith County responded to a medical call at a residence in the 19200 block of FM 345. KLTV reported that responders noticed a strong odor of feces upon arrival, and encountered multiple kenneled and loose dogs. Deputies later determined that the dogs had not received food or water for at least 12 hours. Several appeared malnourished, and many were observed with skin disorders, overgrown nails and signs of possible gastrointestinal issues.

The animal control team from Smith County removed all 44 dogs from the property and placed them in the care of the Smith County Animal Shelter.

Later, the Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation (IGRF), located in Texas and Oklahoma, arranged to take custody of the dogs. In an update issued Thursday, IGRF confirmed it rescued all 44 animals, including 22 Italian greyhounds, 19 whippets and 3 standard poodles, from the Smith County shelter.

A court hearing in early October granted custody of the dogs to Smith County Animal Control, under order by Justice of the Peace James Meredith, Precinct 3. The agency then released the dogs to IGRF, whose representatives travelled from Austin to take the animals on Oct. 22. 

Smith County officials noted that the rescue now has a waiting list of prospective adopters for the dogs.

The suspected puppy-mill case remains under investigation by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.