Two Smith County Women Arrested in Animal Cruelty Case

(Smith County, Texas) Two Smith County women were recently arrested for a disturbing scene at their home involving four dogs, Smith County Animal Control, and the Smith County Sheriff's Office.

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Deputies Respond to Animal Welfare Complaint

The details surrounding the deaths of two dogs and the condition of two others are disturbing.

Smith County Sheriff's deputies discovered a very disturbing scene on June 11. Authorities received a report about a deceased dog on a property on County Road 390 in Smith County. After contacting the suspects in the case, deputies were guided to see the dog they were called about.

What Authorities Found on the Property

Deputies at the scene discovered a deceased dog inside a metal crate. While examining the deceased dog, they discovered another deceased dog and two others that showed signs of severe malnourishment, and one was covered in maggots. During an interview with Adrecia Roy, she says she was aware that one dog had passed away several days prior, according to a sheriff's office press release.

Smith County Animal Control was contacted and took possession of the living dogs. While the dogs were in their care, one of them due to severe neglect.

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Suspects Admitted to Caring for the Dogs

Adrecia Roy, 25, and Miranda Hawkins, 50, told deputies they had been caring for the stray dogs for more than a year, but recently stopped caring for them. The dogs had been confined to the kennels without reasonable access to food or water.

Animal Cruelty Charges Filed

Roy and Hawkins were arrested after warrants for their arrest were issued by the Smith County Sheriff's Offie and face a charge of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals. Both remain in custody with bonds totaling $200,000 each.