JUST IN: Dog Tied to Tree, Shot; Federal Agents Raid East Texas Ranch

HOPKINS COUNTY, Texas (TXAN 24) — Federal authorities are assisting in an ongoing animal cruelty investigation in Hopkins County after a disturbing video surfaced showing a dog tied to a tree and shot multiple times.

According to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first made aware of the incident on December 21, 2025, involving the alleged killing of a dog south of Brashear. Deputies investigated the same day and arrested Kristine Hicks on a charge of Cruelty to a Non-Livestock Animal — Kill/Poison/Serious Bodily Injury.

The investigation later expanded, leading federal authorities to execute a search warrant at the 80-acre Giant German Shepherd Ranch, owned by Hicks. The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice were among the agencies involved in the raid. Officials have not publicly detailed why federal agencies were brought in, but confirmed multiple state and federal partners are now assisting.

The video at the center of the case allegedly shows a dog, identified as Kerra, being shot multiple times over more than a minute before dying. Hicks’ attorneys claim the dog was suffering from a large tumor and was euthanized to end its pain. A former employee disputes that explanation, alleging the dog was killed because it could no longer breed.

That former worker has also alleged widespread neglect at the ranch, claiming to have documented severe conditions and unethical practices. According to those allegations, dozens of deceased dogs were discovered on the property in various stages of decomposition, along with unsanitary living conditions and animals suffering from serious injuries. Those claims have not yet been independently confirmed by authorities.

Hicks and her boyfriend, Stephen Bovey, also face a marijuana possession charge. Hicks has maintained her innocence and points to a recent animal welfare check conducted days before her arrest, during which investigators reportedly found no signs of criminal neglect.

The ranch’s website has since been taken offline.

Sheriff Lewis Tatum confirmed the investigation remains ongoing and stated that due to the active nature of the case, no additional information is available at this time.