Tyler County man arrested for animal cruelty

IVANHOE, Texas – A Tyler County resident was arrested Tuesday on animal cruelty charges after police found several dogs chained outdoors in the heat.

On Monday, Ivanhoe city officials were notified that several dogs were being kept in “inhumane conditions” at a home in the 100 block of Marion Dr. in Ivanhoe, according to Lt. Steven Lemons of the Ivanhoe Police Department.

When officers arrived at the home, they found eight dogs outside the home with no access to water, food or shelter, according to Lemons.

The dogs were chained with heavy steel chains, Lemons told 12News.

Tyler County Precinct Justice of the Peace Tina Self signed an arrest warrant for 37-year-old Malcolm Lewis of Ivanhoe, who Lemons said was the owner of the dogs.

Lewis was arrested without incident on Tuesday and charged with animal cruelty, Lemons said.

The dogs were taken into custody Wednesday morning by the Polk County Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals.

“Ivanhoe council members, the mayor and some community members helped by providing hoses to give the dogs water,” Lemons said.

This is a developing story. We will update you with more information as we receive more confirmed information.

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