SIMS, Texas (WKRC) – A man has been charged with stealing and killing a pet after authorities found a skeletal corpse during a search.
Stuart Duncan Hammons, 24, of Sims, Texas, was taken into custody after authorities discovered the skeletal remains of 12 dogs, according to the New York Post.
According to the newspaper, the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office received a report of several missing dogs on October 3, and one of the callers told law enforcement officers that a suspected dog thief was at the scene. He reportedly told them he lived in the area. According to the Post, an investigation began and authorities eventually led them to the home where Hammonds and his girlfriend lived.
Deputies smelled rotting animals on the property and discovered seven carcasses as they searched the area around the house and barn, KSLA reported. A total of 12 carcasses were found, which authorities identified as dogs.
Authorities suspect Hammons became enraged and killed the dogs during a fight with his girlfriend, the newspaper said, and witnesses reportedly told police Hammonds killed all 12 dogs. .
Local First Media Group reported that some of the dogs had signs of gunshot wounds.
According to the publication, Hammons was charged with:
12 cases of abuse against non-domestic animals
The judge set Hammons’ bail at $100,000, the newspaper reported.
Hammonds has adopted several dogs through social media, according to the Post.
