Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man for allegedly abusing a dog.
Keene resident Sheldon Parrett was arrested on February 4 for cruelty to non-livestock animals, according to a statement from Johnson County Sheriff’s Lt. Keven George. He said the dog in question is now at the Humane Society of North Texas.
“The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office takes allegations of animal cruelty seriously and remains committed to the safety and welfare of all animals within the community,” George said.
Officers with the Keene Police Department responded to a report of possible cruelty to a dog on February 2, according to the statement.
The dog was allegedly tethered outside, with its mouth taped shut.
The officers gathered information for an initial report before realizing that the alleged crime occurred in unincorporated Johnson County. They forwarded the information to the Johnson County Sheriff.
Officials with the Johnson sheriff reviewed the information and launched a follow-up investigation, according to George. The investigator eventually found probable cause for an arrest warrant for Parrett, citing cruelty to non-livestock animals – a violation of Texas Penal Code §42.092.
Then, Johnson sheriff’s deputies served an arrest warrant on February 4.
“Deputies also executed Search and Seizure warrants related to the investigation, resulting in the seizure of the dog involved,” George said. “The animal has been placed at the Humane Society of North Texas, where it will be cared for pending the outcome of a seizure hearing.”
George reminded members of the public that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“The sheriff’s office appreciates the cooperation between agencies and the assistance of community members who report suspected abuse or neglect,” he said.
Parrett is currently detained in the Johnson County Jail, according to jail records. No bond has been set.
The Dallas Express has previously reported on other animal-related concerns. For example, in August 2025, witnesses raised concerns about abuse or dog fighting when they photographed men grappling with newly adopted pitbulls outside Dallas Animal Services, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. The agency dismissed the concerns, stating that an investigation found no evidence of animal abuse.
More recently, law enforcement busted 45 suspects in a far-East Texas dog-fighting ring in November 2025. Then in January, an illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced to 11 months in federal prison – alongside two other illegal aliens – for running an Amarillo rooster fighting ring.
