Coronavirus News

In blow to our beloved pups, Dallas closes dog parks due to coronavirus

Not even the pups can escape the effects of COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of Bark&Zoom

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives and now it delivers a swift kick to our pets: According to a release, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department is closing city dog parks, and all park recreational amenities.

These closures include water fountains, restrooms, open-play tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, soccer mini-pitch courts, and all other amenities located within city parks.

Trails and parks remain open — but only the non-restricted turf areas and greenspaces.

Park officials are urging residents to stay home, even though outdoor exercise and fresh air has mental and physical benefits.

The big thing is social distancing, with visitors encouraged to keep a distance of at least six feet. Park Rangers will monitor parks and trails to make sure visitors are complying with the social distancing requirement.

This dog park closure is the latest blow. On March 17, the department closed recreation centers, golf courses, tennis centers, athletic fields, and park playgrounds and cancelled scheduled activities including athletic fields reservations and organized play.

"This is the last measure we can take to implement additional social distancing requirements," says John D. Jenkins, Park and Recreation Interim Director, in a statement.

Unrelated to the dogs but related to Park and Recreation is the fact that the department will be draining all display fountains on park properties and at Dallas City Hall Plaza. A release says that these are a health and safety precaution because of the Shelter-in-Place order issued. Staff won't be able to keep up with maintenance operations, leaving the fountains to turn into a breeding ground for algae, mosquitos, and other pests.

On the bright side, draining the fountains will give maintenance workers the opportunity to inspect for structural issues and make repairs.

pets health

Animal News

Wills Point, Texas man charged with cruelty for abandoning 18 animals

Facebook

Lucas Wayne Penrod, charged with animal cruelty

Another animal cruelty case has emerged from Van Zandt County, resulting in the arrest of a Wills Point man: Lucas Wayne Penrod was charged with Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals, a 3rd degree felony.

It began on Friday, October 24, when the Wills Point Police Department performed a welfare check at a mobile home within the city limits. Officers became concerned when they heard multiple dogs barking along with a foul odor of animal waste.

On October 25, after obtaining a search warrant, Wills Point PD and the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit entered the residence and found multiple animals living in deplorable conditions.

The mobile home was filled with trash and animal feces. The team discovered a total of 8 cats, 2 guinea pigs, 4 adult dogs, and 4 puppies, cruelly confined to the unsanitary living conditions on the property.

Two dogs were confined to filthy crates with no access to water.
Three puppies were in a small bathroom covered in urine and feces; one of the puppies was deceased and decomposing.
The guinea pigs were found in a cage without access to food or water.

Most of the animals showed signs of long-term neglect and were in dire need of urgent medical intervention. The animals were seized by the SPCA of Texas and transported to the organization's Dallas location for veterinary care.

Dog in cage Wills Point Lucas Wayne Penrod Dog abandoned in Wills Point by Lucas Wayne Penrod.SPCA

On October 26, Lucas Wayne Penrod, the owner of the animals, contacted an SPCA of Texas Investigator regarding the animals. The Investigator determined that Penrod had unlawfully allegedly abandoned the animals, failing to provide them with proper care, resulting in the death of one of the puppies and the critical state of the surviving animals.

On October 28, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit obtained an arrest warrant for Penrod, who was apprehended by Tyler Police Department and booked into the Smith County Jail with a $50K bond. Penrod was charged with Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals, a 3rd degree felony.

On November 1, at a civil custody hearing at the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 courthouse in Wills Point, Penrod relinquished custody of the 18 allegedly abandoned, cruelly treated animals to the SPCA.

"The squalid conditions these beautiful animals were living in were abhorrent--locked in spaces without food or water, in their own excrement," said SPCA of Texas ACI Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. "This is some of the worst mistreatment of domestic animals I've seen in my extensive career in animal cruelty investigations. In no small part, these pets owe their lives to the Wills Point Police Department. If it wasn’t for their quick thinking to involve us right away, I don't think the animals would have made it."

"This case perfectly illustrates the team effort that investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases in Texas is," Burns added. "We are extremely thankful to the Tyler Police Department for their efficient assistance in apprehending Penrod so that he can be brought to justice in the timeliest manner possible. And we are especially grateful to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and court system with whom we continue to partner to get justice for abused animals in their jurisdiction."