More Than 250 Dogs Seized from Floyd County Kennel

Reported by: Diana Holoman
Email: dholoman@fox34.com
Last Update: 12:44 pm

The Floyd County Sheriff's department served Alphatex Kennels, outside of Lockney, with a warrant, seizing approximately 250 dogs.

"The humane society came out here, and then they told me in their opinion Alphatex Kennels was in terrible condition and that something needed to be done," Paul Raissez, Floyd County Sheriff, said. "They asked me if I would help them get a warrant to get these dogs off of the property."

Sandra Smith, co-owner of Alphatex Kennels, was in disbelief and said her facility is run the right way. She said every dog and puppy is AKC registered and up to date on all shots.

"AKC comes out here every year and they give us a clean bill of health," Smith said. "In fact, they said we had pens much bigger than required by AKC regulations."

According to the warrant, german shepherds, golden retrievers and collies along with horses will all have to go.

"Can you say it is right to tear these dogs away from the only home they've ever known?"

She said some dogs will not thrive in life without the love of their specific family.

"We've got one german shepherd that only speaks German," Smith said. "She was imported from Germany and she only speaks German commands."

Debra Avery, with the Humane Society of West Texas, said the situation presents a mixed bag.

"There are some absolutely beautiful dogs out here," Avery said. "but there are some dogs that aren't well."

Avery said each and every dog will be tested and treated for diseases such as Parvo and Distemper.

"They have told me that some of the dogs have been sold and are waiting for shipment," Avery said. "So we will investigate and check the health of those animals to find out whether those sales can be delivered or not."

Smith plead with the sheriff to allow her to keep her house pets, and one in particular who has formed a special bond with the family.

"If he leaves him, he will die," Smith said. "German shepherds die if they are taken away from whom they belong to. They bond with you and they bond for life."

Smith said bottomline this is not as bad as it looks.

"What I'm trying to say is, this is not a puppy mill situation," Smith said. "Yes, it outgrew us and it outgrew us in a big way."

In addition to the dogs, one horse in particular is catching the eye of the humane society.

"The horse is malnourished, and the horse is sick," Smith said. "It can barely walk, and it cannot put any weight on its back leg."

A court hearing is scheduled for October 3rd, and Smith said they will fight to save their kennel.

"We will be fighting this to the fullest extent of the law," Smith said.

Until then, the Humane Society of West Texas asks citizens to step up in helping to give these animals a temporary home.