UPDATE: GRAND JURY RETURNS NO BILL, BUT QUESTIONS AND EVIDENCE STILL MATTER

UPDATE: GRAND JURY RETURNS NO BILL, BUT QUESTIONS AND EVIDENCE STILL MATTER

 

September 17, 2026

 

The Milam County Sheriff’s Office announced today that a Milam County Grand Jury returned a “no bill” following presentation of the animal-cruelty investigation involving Dogtown Ranch and Sanctuary.

 

We acknowledge and respect the grand jury process.

 

A no-bill means the Grand Jury determined that the evidence presented did not establish probable cause to proceed with criminal charges.

 

We also believe it is important to accurately describe what happened and what remains unresolved.

 

The Sheriff's Office reported that 11 deputies conducted at least 36 unannounced inspections beginning August 10, collected at least 362 photographs and several hours of video, and reviewed three years of veterinary records showing 105 dogs received care on 127 occasions. The Sheriff's Office also reported reviewing rabies vaccination records for 88 dogs vaccinated on August 18.

 

The Sheriff's Office further stated that the SPCA of Texas and a licensed veterinarian toured the facility and developed recommendations that Dogtown agreed to implement.

 

We acknowledge those findings.

 

However, the Sheriff's Office also made an extremely important statement regarding the photographs and videos that have circulated publicly:

 

The Sheriff's Office is not suggesting that all circulating material is inaccurate or fabricated.

 

Authorities have instead said that investigators were unable to verify the date, time, location, or circumstances surrounding much of the material.

 

That distinction matters.

 

It means that anyone possessing original evidence now has an even greater responsibility to preserve and document it properly.

 

IF YOU HAVE EVIDENCE, PRESERVE IT

 

We encourage anyone with firsthand evidence to preserve:

 

• Original, unedited photographs

• Original video files

• Dates and approximate times

• Exact or identifiable locations

• Names of firsthand witnesses

• Original text messages, emails, or communications

• Veterinary records

• Animal intake or outcome documentation

• Documentation identifying individual animals

• Any information explaining when, where, and under what circumstances a photograph or video was created

 

Do not alter an original file simply to make it more compelling for social media.

 

Preserve the evidence exactly as it exists.

 

The Sheriff's Office has specifically stated that credible and verifiable evidence may still be submitted for review even after closure of the criminal case.

 

THE RV FIRE REMAINS A SEPARATE MATTER

 

The Sheriff's Office also confirmed that the recreational vehicle fire on the Dogtown Ranch property is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal.

 

We will continue seeking factual information concerning that incident through appropriate channels.

 

We are not claiming to know how the fire started or what, if anything, was inside the RV.

 

Those are questions for investigators and official records to answer.

 

OUR POSITION HAS NOT CHANGED

 

From the beginning, this petition has said something very simple:

 

Facebook cannot determine what happened. Evidence can.

 

We are not asking anyone to disregard the grand jury.

 

We are not asking people to harass Dogtown Ranch, its owner, law enforcement, witnesses, supporters, critics, or anyone else.

 

We are asking people to document facts.

 

If particular allegations are disproven, document that.

 

If animals are receiving appropriate care, document that.

 

If corrective measures were requested and completed, document that.

 

If new credible evidence demonstrates neglect, cruelty, inadequate veterinary treatment, or another violation of law, investigate it through the proper authorities.

 

The Sheriff's Office has stated that it will continue monitoring conditions at Dogtown Ranch and will respond to new credible and verifiable evidence.

 

We intend to hold everyone, including ourselves, to the same standard:

 

Evidence over rumors.

Documentation over accusations.

Facts over Facebook fights.

 

Our concern remains what it has always been.

 

The animals.

 

Thank you to everyone who has advocated responsibly, preserved documentation, asked legitimate questions, and refused to allow this issue to become merely another social-media battle.

 

Please continue to follow developments and share this update responsibly.

 

Protect the animals.

Preserve the evidence.

Follow the facts.

 

Justice for Samson Animal Rescue

samsonsjustice.org