Tyler County, Texas – A Texas woman has been sentenced to five years behind bars following an investigation which led to the discovery of over 130 dead dogs at property in Tyler County. According to the Tyler County Criminal District Attorney, Ashley Dawn McFadden, 26, pleaded guilty Aug. 20 to three felony counts of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals and three misdemeanor counts related to the March 2026 investigation. Prosecutors said the charges involved causing the deaths of dogs and failing to provide adequate food, water and shelter for animals received through her organization, SETX Paw Patrol.
The investigation began in March when Donald Calhoon IV, an investigator with the Tyler County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, became involved in an ongoing animal cruelty investigation with the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at McFadden’s property in Colmesneil. Investigators discovered more than 130 deceased dogs on the property. Authorities also seized and removed 87 living dogs from the property. Several animal rescue organizations assisted the sheriff’s office and district attorney’s office in removing and caring for the animals.
McFadden was arrested March 12, 2026, and has remained in custody since her arrest.
Under the terms of her guilty plea, McFadden was sentenced to five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the felony offenses. She also received 161 days in county jail for the misdemeanor offenses, with that portion of the sentence satisfied by time already served.
McFadden will be transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to serve the remainder of her five-year sentence. As part of the consequences of her conviction, McFadden will also be prohibited from possessing a living animal for five years following completion of her sentence, pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 42.107.
The Tyler County Criminal District Attorney’s Office thanked the individuals and organizations that assisted with the investigation and rescue effort, including Who Saved Who, Choppers Rescue Inc., Green Mile, Lotta Dogs, Tyler County Commissioner Precinct 3 Mike Marshall and his employees, along with others who assisted.
The case highlights the importance of reporting suspected animal cruelty and the role of law enforcement, prosecutors and animal rescue organizations in removing animals from dangerous conditions.
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