Simms, Texas man arrested for animal cruelty after stealing and killing neighbors' dogs

BOWIE COUNTY, Texas (KSLA) - A man from Simms, Texas has been charged in a gruesome animal cruelty case.

The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office says on Oct. 3, deputies were told about several missing dogs from homes in the Simms area. One of the owners said a possible suspect lived in the area, and an investigation was launched.

Investigators visited the home of Stuart Duncan Hammonds, 24, and his girlfriend. They say deputies immediately noticed the smell of decaying animals. Deputies report finding seven animal carcasses around the home and barn. Officials found skeletal remains, and were able to identify them as 12 dogs. Some had obvious head trauma, indicating they’d been shot.

OTHER CRIME IN THE ARKLATEX

Further investigation revealed Hammonds reportedly killed four of dogs during fits of rage while arguing with his girlfriend.

Hammonds is believed to have picked the dogs up while they were running loose around the Simms area. It’s also believed he adopted some of them through social media posts.

The sheriff’s office says a witness confirmed Hammonds killed all 12 of the dogs.

Hammonds has been arrested and charged with 12 counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals. His bond has been set at $100,000.