Rotting animal carcasses lead to Texas man’s arrest, deputies report

BOWIE COUNTY, Tx. ( KTAL/KMSS ) — A Simms, Texas, man is accused of killing 12 dogs and allowing the dogs’ carcasses to rot on his property, authorities say.

Following an investigation, on Oct. 3, deputies with the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office went to the home of Stuart Duncan Hammonds, 24, and his girlfriend.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies immediately recognized the odor of decaying animals.

As authorities searched the property, they say they discovered 12 deceased dogs. Several appeared to have been shot in the head by a firearm.

Authorities say Hammonds killed four of the dogs after he became upset following an argument with his girlfriend.

Hammonds was arrested and charged with 12 counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals. He is jailed at the Bowie County Correctional Center and held on a $100,000 bond.

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