A Grand Saline man is facing a felony animal-cruelty charge after Van Zandt County deputies say they pulled up to a grim scene: two dead dogs chained outside and several others wasting away on a rural property. The animals were discovered on Dec. 13, 2025, and investigators say multiple surviving dogs were in such bad shape they needed urgent veterinary care. Authorities identified the defendant as Kenneth Wayne Adams, who is being held on a $25,000 bond.
According to the SPCA of Texas, deputies found two adult pit-bull mix dogs chained to trees, their ribs and spines clearly visible. One dog was curled inside a small doghouse, while the other had no shelter at all when temperatures dropped below freezing. Investigators reported finding five live dogs inside the residence — two Cane Corso type, one Boxer type, one mixed breed and one Chihuahua mix — along with unsanitary conditions throughout the home. Veterinary forensic exams at the SPCA's Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center later determined the two outdoor dogs died from starvation and dehydration, according to the release.
As reported by WFAA, the SPCA obtained an arrest warrant through Van Zandt County Court at Law on Monday, and deputies took Adams into custody that same day on a charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals, a third-degree felony. Officials say the charge accuses Adams of conduct that reaches the level of "torture" under the statute. He is being held on a $25,000 bond while the case makes its way through the county courts, and prosecutors have not yet said whether they expect to file any additional charges or sentencing enhancements.
Per the SPCA of Texas, Adams surrendered two of the surviving dogs, along with the bodies of the two deceased animals, on the day deputies first responded to the property. Investigators then returned on Dec. 15 with search and seizure warrants to remove the remaining three dogs. A civil custody hearing held on Dec. 23, 2025, ended with a judge awarding the SPCA permanent custody of two of the seized dogs; the Chihuahua mix was returned to its owner after being spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. "Responsibility for an animal does not disappear when circumstances change," SPCA Chief Investigator Courtney Burns said in the organization's statement.
What the law says
Under Texas Penal Code §42.092, intentionally torturing or killing an animal, or failing to provide necessary food, water or shelter, can be prosecuted as a felony in certain situations. The punishment range for a third-degree felony — generally two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 — is set out in state sentencing provisions such as Texas Penal Code §12.34.
The SPCA said the surrendered and seized animals were transported to its Dallas rescue center for specialized medical treatment and forensic evaluation. Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office, and they encourage residents to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal-welfare groups. The SPCA of Texas maintains an abuse-reporting line at 214-742-SPCA (7722).
