A story that has drawn attention throughout Milam County has reached a major turning point. Dogtown Ranch Rockdale Texas is now empty after all 82 dogs at the property were voluntarily surrendered.
Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary Rescue and Rehab, located outside Rockdale, has also agreed to close. A horse that remained on the property was removed as well.
The surrender followed a weeklong effort involving the Milam County Sheriff’s Office and Brandywine Valley SPCA.
All 82 Dogs Have Been Removed
Brandywine Valley SPCA sent more than a dozen staff members to Texas to help with the large rescue effort.
The team worked with the Milam County Sheriff’s Office to gain access to the property. They assessed the dogs, provided care and helped arrange transportation.
All 82 dogs were eventually surrendered.
As of October 6, no animals remained at Dogtown Ranch.
Some of the dogs have already been transported to Brandywine Valley SPCA locations in Pennsylvania. Others are being moved to partner shelters and rescue organizations.
The goal is to provide medical care and eventually find homes for the dogs.
Dogtown Ranch Owner Charged
The Milam County Sheriff’s Office also announced another major development in the case.
Dogtown Ranch owner and operator Angela Sera was arrested October 6. She faces one charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals, a Class A misdemeanor.
The charge involves a senior mixed-breed dog named Baby Reina.
According to authorities, new veterinary findings were obtained after Baby Reina was surrendered.
The Milam County Sheriff’s Office said the veterinary report documented several health problems. These included dehydration, parasites and malnutrition.
Earlier inspections of Dogtown Ranch had not resulted in criminal charges.
The new veterinary findings involving Baby Reina led authorities to pursue the current charge.
The case will now proceed through the court system.
It is important to remember that a criminal charge is an allegation. Sera is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Baby Reina Is Receiving Care
Brandywine Valley SPCA reported that Baby Reina was in serious condition when its team encountered her.
She was taken to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
There is some encouraging news.
Baby Reina has since been released from the hospital and remains in the care of Brandywine Valley SPCA.
A Major Rescue Effort
Moving and caring for 82 dogs is a significant undertaking.
The Brandywine Valley SPCA team has been providing medical evaluations, transportation, temporary shelter and other care for the animals.
The organization says some of the dogs will eventually become available for adoption.
For the people in and around Rockdale who have followed the Dogtown Ranch story, the removal of the final animals marks an important development.
Whatever happens next in the court case, the immediate situation for the animals has changed.
The ranch is empty.
The dogs are receiving care.
And the process of finding them new homes has begun.
A Milam County Story We’ll Continue to Follow
Dogtown Ranch has received considerable attention both inside and outside Milam County.
The closure of the facility and surrender of all 82 dogs represents a major change in a story that has concerned many people in our community.
The criminal case is now in the hands of the court system. We will leave the determination of guilt or innocence where it belongs — with that process.
For now, the good news is that the animals have been removed and are receiving care.
Driscoll Home Services shares Central Texas News that may be important to our customers, neighbors and communities throughout Milam County and the surrounding area.
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