Arrest made in connection to 8 dead dogs found in Upshur County

TEXAS -- Arrests have been made in connection to several dead dogs found dumped in an East Texas creek.

On May 23, 2014, Upshur County authorities found the decomposing bodies of eight dogs in Glade Creek off Poplar Road, between Gladewater and Gilmer.

 

   

 

Some of the bodies were partially burned and had visible scars on them. Some of them were found in trash bags. The bodies were spotted by a passing neighbor.

There were no collars or tags on any of the animals found dumped as well as no clues as to who dumped them. However, through a lengthy investigation, investigators got a break.

 

Investigators say a vet's examination of one of the dogs revealed a microchip implant.

Information from that chip led to the arrests of Caleb Vigneau, Amber Long and John Newman.

They have not been charged with animal cruelty because authorities say there was not enough evidence on the decaying bodies, but they were all charged with unauthorized discharge of waste into a waterway.

The creek where the dogs were dumped feeds into Lake Gladewater.

Investigators we spoke with today say the investigation into what the dogs were being used for is ongoing.

 

All three of suspects arrested have bonded out of jail.

(KSLA - Jan 1, 2015)