Twenty-nine dogs were found inside a home in Van Zandt County after reports of a dog attack that left one man injured, according to a statement from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 11:25 a.m. Monday, Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 28400 block of Interstate 20 after reports of a medical emergency.
Officials found a 53-year-old man who had sustained multiple dog bite injuries from two adult pit bull mix dogs.
He was transported to the Christus Mother Frances Emergency Room and later life-flighted to the University of Texas Medical Center in Tyler for further treatment.
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As of Wednesday morning, the victim remained hospitalized in stable condition.
Investigators found the two dogs and determined that neither dog had been vaccinated, the statement said.
The dog owner voluntarily surrendered custody of the dogs to the sheriff’s office for testing.
Additionally, deputies discovered 29 other dogs inside the residence and requested assistance from the SPCA of Texas Response Team.
The SPCA said it was assisting with the housing and care of the dogs that weren’t a part of the incident.
“Our hearts are with the man who was seriously injured in this incident,” an SPCA spokesperson wrote in a statement. “At this time, the SPCA of Texas’ role is focused on animal welfare support related to the dogs now in our care.”
The incident remains under investigation. No further details were immediately available.
The Dallas Morning News reached out to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office for more information about the remaining dogs but has not heard back.