ABILENE, Texas — A man is facing theft and animal cruelty charges after he allegedly broke into a Texas animal shelter and released many of the dogs inside.
The Abilene Police Department said in a news release that George Paul Jones, 38, was arrested for the break-in at Abilene/Taylor County Animal Services. Officers said Jones climbed the fence around the building and broke in through the building’s roof before opening many of the cages on the canine side of the building, freeing many of the 150 dogs.
Responding officers said one of the dogs was killed and several others were hurt due to what was believed to be fighting among the animals. Several other dogs are believed to have escaped through an outside gate.
The All Kind Animal Initiative posted several photos of the missing dogs on Facebook, asking for help locating them.
While investigating the burglary, an officer noticed that one of the shelter’s work vans was missing, KTAB reported. The van was found approximately 3 miles away with an important clue inside: a photo ID belonging to George Jones.
Officers searched the area and found Jones near a vacant building. While searching Jones, officers said they found the key to the stolen van, KTAB reported.
Officers told KTXS that Jones confessed to breaking in and freeing the animals, as well as stealing the van, but did not specify if there was a motive.
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