The owner of a dog training facility in Hunt County, Texas has been arrested for animal cruelty: Craig Hanna, owner of United K9 Academy in Caddo Mills, has been charged with cruelty to animals, following an investigation by the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit.

According to a release, the investigation, which began in July 2023, determined that Hanna violated Texas Penal Code 42.092 – Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, a Class A Misdemeanor, for intentionally and knowingly neglecting two dogs while they were in his care, custody, and control.

The SPCA of Texas and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office filed criminal charges and on April 1, an arrest warrant was issued for Hanna by the Hunt County Attorney’s Office.

On April 3, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office took Hanna into custody, and he was booked into the Hunt County Jail. His criminal trial is yet to be scheduled.

On July 31, 2023, the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit received a complaint from a pet owner that had boarded his dogs to be trained by Hanna at his home in Caddo Mills, Texas for 14 days.

When the owner arrived to claim his dogs, he noticed that they were lethargic, covered in urine, and one of the dogs had trouble standing.

He rushed the dogs to an emergency vet where they were treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. One of the dogs, a mixed breed named Duke, was in critical condition and had to be hospitalized. Duke's medical examination showed that he lost 13 pounds in 17 days, 14 of which were in the care of Hanna, owner of United K9 Academy.

Fortunately, both dogs survived the ordeal.

“We're happy to report that Duke was able to pull through, make a full recovery and is back to being spoiled by his family,” said SPCA of Texas Chief Investigator, Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Courtney Burns, CAWA. “We strongly advise pet owners to do their research when choosing a trainer or boarding their pets. A reputable business should be able to provide references and allow you to tour the facility.”

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization that maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties.