DESOTO, TX — A Temple man was arrested Friday evening, July 25, 2025, after DeSoto Police and Animal Control Officers discovered ten emaciated dogs—two with their ears cut off—being illegally housed on private church property.
Officers responded to the 200 block of W. Parkerville Road around 7:35 p.m. after receiving reports of a person camping without permission. They located 26-year-old Timmy Anderson, who admitted to squatting on the property and boarding ten dogs in a fenced area nearby without the owner's consent.
The dogs were found in poor health, rated 2 out of 9 on the body condition scale, with several showing signs of severe neglect. Two had infected wounds where their ears had been completely removed. Anderson admitted to knowing about the injuries but had not sought veterinary care.
All ten dogs were seized under a court order issued by DeSoto Magistrate S. Kurth and transported for urgent medical care. Anderson was arrested and charged with six counts of animal cruelty, a third-degree felony, with additional charges pending related to the other four dogs.
DeSoto Detectives continue to investigate the case. Anyone who suspects animal abuse is urged to contact DeSoto Animal Control, the DeSoto Police Department, or Tri-City Animal Shelter & Adoption Center.
