More Than 50 Dogs Seized, Two Arrested In Tyler County Animal Cruelty Investigation

TYLER COUNTY, Texas – Authorities in Tyler County seized dozens of dogs and arrested two individuals after an investigation revealed disturbing living conditions and numerous dead animals at a residence in the Colmesneil area.

The case began on February 8, 2026, when Tyler County deputies responded to a request from Ashley McFadden to inspect her property so it could be approved as a safe place to house dogs. When deputies arrived, they immediately observed three dogs tethered by chains and four others running loose. Deputies informed McFadden that the Sheriff’s Office had received numerous complaints about the poor health and living conditions of animals on the property.

McFadden gave deputies permission to inspect the property, including the interior of the home. Inside, deputies found dogs confined in kennels stacked on top of one another with animals in both the upper and lower cages. Some kennels held multiple dogs, including one that contained as many as five. Deputies also observed a kennel housing a mother dog and her puppies filled with significant amounts of feces.

Outside the home, deputies located additional dogs in a pen covered with a tarp. McFadden warned deputies that the animals could become aggressive. When asked about dogs reportedly kept inside a shop building, she told deputies those dogs had previously escaped and killed several other dogs.

Deputies observed approximately 50 dogs on the property. Some appeared healthy, while others showed signs of poor conditions. Although no deceased animals were found at the time, investigators determined there were criminal violations related to how some of the dogs were being kept.

McFadden was charged with felony cruelty to non-livestock animals for causing unjustified pain or suffering and misdemeanor cruelty to non-livestock animals for failing to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter. Because deputies believed the situation could be corrected quickly, animals were not seized at that time.

On February 12, McFadden was arrested at her residence and transported to the Tyler County Jail. Justice of the Peace Tina Self set bonds totaling $6,000. One of the bond conditions required all dogs to be removed from the property and rehomed through a licensed rescue or adoption agency within 21 days.

Investigators returned to the property on March 9 and found the bond conditions had not been met. While walking the property, investigators obtained photographs from inside the shop building showing nine dogs in kennels. They also detected a strong odor believed to be coming from a dead animal, which was later confirmed when a deceased dog was located.

Based on the new evidence and the bond violation, investigators requested and received a seizure order for the remaining animals.

On March 12, deputies and investigators returned to the property to execute the seizure warrant. During the operation, authorities discovered plastic totes, an ice cooler, and several dog crates containing dog carcasses in advanced stages of decomposition wrapped in plastic. Investigators also found crates containing bones and fur believed to be from deceased dogs. Authorities estimated the number of dead animals to be between 15 and 20.

Timothy Brockman, McFadden’s boyfriend who also lives at the residence, told deputies it was his responsibility to bury the dead animals but admitted he had not done so.

During the seizure operation, deputies found 11 dogs housed in wire kennels inside a small tin building. Another dog was chained nearby, while two more were located in kennels behind the house and two others were inside a large pen. Some kennels had food and water, but many did not.

Inside the home, authorities removed approximately 35 to 40 dogs. Investigators reported an overwhelming odor of methane gas caused by dog feces. Waste covered nearly every room and kennel, along with multiple areas saturated with urine. Authorities described the environment as dangerous for both people and animals inside the residence.

In total, 54 dogs were seized and transported from the property. The deceased animals were located in containers and crates in a wooded area on the property.

McFadden and Brockman were both arrested and charged with felony cruelty to non-livestock animals and misdemeanor cruelty to non-livestock animals. Justice of the Peace Tina Self set bonds at $70,000 for each suspect. Both remain in custody at the Tyler County Jail.

Investigators say additional charges could be filed as the case continues.

All 54 surviving dogs were transferred to the rescue organization Who Saved Who, based in Montgomery County, Texas. The organization will provide medical care, rehabilitation, and work to place the animals in permanent homes.