Ferris City officials, working with the American Humane organization, say they pulled 75 animals, mostly dogs, from two Dallas County properties outside the city limits on Monday after crews found them in urgent need of medical care.
City Manager Brooks Williams said staff made the call to intervene on the spot after seeing the animals' condition and deciding they needed immediate help.
Rescue And Response
According to WFAA, Ferris officials and American Humane teams removed 75 animals from the two properties yesterday. Williams told the station the city "chose to step in" after employees observed the situation and concluded the animals needed to be saved right away.
WFAA reported that it reached out to American Humane for additional details about the Ferris operation but did not immediately receive a response.
American Humane On The Ground
The American Humane organization says its rescue teams deploy trained responders and mobile veterinary units for major cruelty and neglect cases, and its 2025 impact report highlights recent work in Texas.
Officials said American Humane assisted Ferris during yesterday's operation, supplying on-site veterinary care and logistical support as the animals were recovered. Representatives for the group did not immediately offer further comment on the Ferris incident.
Next Steps For The Animals And The Investigation
Authorities have not yet said where the seized animals will be housed long term or whether any criminal charges will follow.
The City of Ferris identifies its operations staff as the team responsible for animal control and code enforcement, roles that typically include coordinating sheltering and case work, according to the City of Ferris website.
In similar large, multi-agency seizures in North Texas, animals have been transported to recovery centers for forensic veterinary exams and extended treatment before any transfer or placement, the ASPCA has said.
Part Of A Larger Regional Pattern
The Ferris seizure lands in the middle of a busy and troubling stretch for animal rescue groups across North Texas.
In February, a coordinated multi-county operation recovered more than 200 dogs in what authorities described as one of the largest recoveries in the region, NBC DFW reported.
And in March, Garland Animal Services seized 64 cats in what officials called the biggest rescue in that city's history, according to The Dallas Morning News, with shelter operators warning that capacity in the region remains tight.
Ferris officials say they plan to release more information as the case develops, while local partners continue veterinary screening and care for the animals already removed. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the properties involved to contact local animal control so investigators can finish their work.
