Texas A&M Football Media Day: Arkansas

Media release 09/17/2026: (CAMERON, TX) – A Milam County Grand Jury has returned a “no bill” in the criminal investigation into animal cruelty allegations at Dogtown Ranch and Sanctuary, finding insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. The Milam County Sheriff’s Office presented all evidence gathered during the investigation to the Grand Jury on September 10, 2026. “This was a thoroughly documented investigation by our office, and I want the public to understand the scope of the work that went into it,” said Sheriff Mike Clore. “Our deputies investigated. An independent grand jury of Milam County citizens reviewed everything we gathered and reached its own conclusion.” Scope of the Investigation Since the investigation began, Sheriff’s Office investigators have: Eleven different deputies conducted at least 36 unannounced inspections of Dogtown Ranch and Sanctuary, beginning August 10, 2026. Collected at least 362 photographs and several hours of video documenting the animals and conditions on the property. Verified during each visit that animals had access to food, clean water, and adequate shelter, checked for deceased animals, and evaluated whether any animal required veterinary care. The SPCA of Texas and a licensed veterinarian toured the facility with investigators and developed recommendations to implement, and which the facility agreed to. During that inspection, they did not identify an emergency condition requiring immediate removal of the animals or criminal enforcement action. Reviewed three years of veterinary records showing 105 dogs received care on 127 occasions, along with rabies vaccination records for 88 dogs vaccinated on August 18, 2026. A “no bill” means the Grand Jury, an independent panel of Milam County citizens, reviewed the evidence and determined there was no probable cause to proceed with criminal charges. The Sheriff’s Office will formally close the criminal animal-cruelty investigation as a result. Addressing Photos and Videos Circulating Online The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that images and videos shared on social media have raised concern and takes that concern seriously. However, a single photo or video clip, without a verified date, time, and location, does not establish what conditions exist at a property today, or across the property as a whole. That is precisely why this investigation relied on repeated, unannounced inspections rather than a single visit: 36 separate visits by 11 different deputies, conducted without advance notice, so that no single moment or single image could define the full picture. Across that many independent observations, deputies consistently did not find the conditions described in circulating material. Where specific images or videos could be identified and matched to specific locations on the property, those areas were inspected directly. Investigators were unable to verify the date, time, or circumstances of much of the material circulating publicly. Some of it may also predate this investigation’s inspection window or predate corrective measures already completed by the property owner following an earlier independent review. The Sheriff’s Office is not suggesting that all circulating material is inaccurate or fabricated. Anyone with specific, verifiable evidence, including the date, location, and circumstances under which a photo or video was taken, is encouraged to submit it directly to the Sheriff’s Office for review, including after the closure of this criminal case. How Evidence Was Evaluated As with any investigation, information came from a range of sources, and not all of it was consistent over time. Sheriff’s Office investigators routinely evaluate the reliability and consistency of statements and evidence as part of standard investigative practice, and that evaluation was applied throughout this case before evidence was presented to the Grand Jury. The Sheriff’s Office does not discuss the specifics of individual witnesses or sources publicly, both to protect the integrity of the investigative process and out of fairness to everyone involved. A Note on Resources Going Forward “As Sheriff, I’m responsible for making sure this office’s resources are used where they’re needed most across the entire county,” Sheriff Clore said. “This investigation received an extraordinary level of attention and staff time, and we gave it that attention because the allegations deserved a serious look. Going forward, we’ll continue to direct our resources based on the credibility of the evidence in front of us and the needs of Milam County as a whole.” Separate Matters Separately from the animal-cruelty investigation, the Sheriff’s Office also investigated several incidents of harassment and assault connected to the public activity surrounding Dogtown Ranch. Those investigations have resulted in formal charges for harassment and aggravated assault. All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court. These cases are unrelated to the animal-cruelty investigation and to the Grand Jury’s findings. Finally, a recreational vehicle fire on the grounds of the property is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal. Moving Forward The Sheriff’s Office will continue to assist in identifying reputable organizations willing to help rehome animals at Dogtown Ranch in a safe, constructive manner, and encourage anyone who wants to help to focus on practical solutions that benefit the animals. The Sheriff’s Office will also continue monitoring conditions at Dogtown Ranch and will respond to any new, credible, and verifiable evidence of animal cruelty or neglect. Anyone with firsthand information, photographs, video, veterinary records, or witness statements, is encouraged to submit it through the Sheriff’s Office rather than through social media.

The United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is traveling to Texas tomorrow. Hegseth will first stop in Austin as part of the “Arsenal of Freedom Tour.” He will visit Capital Factory and Saronic Technologies, where he will deliver remarks to the workforce and leaders. The Secretary will also administer the oath of enlistment to new recruits at the Austin Armed Forces Reserve Center. Friday afternoon, Hegseth will be in College Station as part of the “Send Me Tour.” He will deliver remarks to the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets and tour the Veterans Resource Center. On Saturday, Secretary Hegseth will attend the Texas A&M vs. University of Kentucky football game, where the university will honor soldiers who are POW/MIA. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

On Monday, the Hearne ISD School Board voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Hearne Elementary School Principal Marsha Shico. The board came back from executive session and made a motion to terminate Shico “for good cause.” There have been no details regarding the circumstances of her termination. Sherrell Ward, Hearne Elementary’s Special Service Campus Liaison, will now serve as interim principal. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.