October 25, 2006

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office has completed preparations regarding the recent animal cruelty case. The case has been submitted to the Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney's Office for grand jury referral.

Your Sheriff,

R.P. "Pat" Burnett, Jr.

October 22, 2006

On October 8, 2006 at 4:38 P.M. the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into reports of cruelty to an animal. During the investigation, Deputies contacted witnesses about a Labrador Retriever that was reported to have been dragged behind a vehicle. The investigation has revealed that the dog was indeed dragged behind a vehicle which was occupied by two 17 year old males. The investigation has shown, however, that the dog was tied to the inside of the truck bed not to the bumper as demonstrated by news re-enactments. Both 17 year old subjects have been interviewed as well as all witnesses to the offense, and the investigation has revealed that this may very well be an unintentional act.

This case will be prepared as a State Jail felony and sent to the Criminal District Attorney’s office for Grand Jury referral within the next few days. The Labrador retriever (Nellie) is at the Bradshaw Clinic in Mineola, Texas and is improving. If you wish to contact the Bradshaw Clinic, please call (903) 569-5418.

This case, as all criminal cases, has been investigated to its fullest extent, and appropriate charges will be filed. As long as I am Sheriff for Van Zandt County, cases of animal neglect and abuse will always be investigated. Since I have been in office the past six years, the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office has been involved in four "puppy mill" investigations which rescued several hundred animals. Additionally, while I have been Sheriff of Van Zandt County, I have personally rescued four buffalo and an eight year old Great Dane all of which live at my home. I take reports of cruelty to animals very seriously and will continue to do so.

I appreciate everyone's concern for Nellie and I can assure you that this case has been handled in an appropriate manner.

Your Sheriff,

R.P. "Pat" Burnett, Jr.