BOWIE COUNTY, Texas (KSLA/Gray News) – A man from Simms, Texas, has been charged in a gruesome animal cruelty case.
The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were told on Oct. 3 about several missing dogs from homes in the Simms area. One of the dog owners said a possible suspect lived in the area, and an investigation was launched.
Investigators visited the home of 24-year-old Stuart Duncan Hammonds and his girlfriend. The sheriff’s office said deputies immediately noticed the smell of decaying animals.
Deputies reported finding animal carcasses around the home and barn. Officials were able to identify the skeletal remains as 12 dogs. Some had head trauma, indicating they had been shot, according to the sheriff’s office.
Further investigation revealed Hammonds reportedly killed four of the dogs during fits of rage while arguing with his girlfriend.
Hammonds is believed to have picked the dogs up while they were running loose around the Simms area. It’s also believed he adopted some of them through social media posts.
The sheriff’s office said a witness confirmed Hammonds killed all 12 of the dogs.
Hammonds has been arrested and charged with 12 counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals. His bond has been set at $100,000.
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