Press Release and Stories
New White Paper Reveals Widespread SPCA Due Process Violations
United K9 Magazine
June 17, 2025
Litigation for Animal Welfare (LAW) Releases White Paper Exposing Widespread SPCA Overreach and Due Process Violations
New report highlights unconstitutional seizures, breed-targeting, and the urgent need for nationwide reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Litigation for Animal Welfare Inc. (LAW) today released “UNCHECKED AUTHORITY: SPCA Overreach – Targeting Breeds and Eroding Due Process,” a comprehensive white paper detailing a growing national crisis involving unlawful animal seizures, excessive financial penalties, and discriminatory enforcement practices by certain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) chapters.
The report identifies a troubling pattern: pets confiscated without warrants, owners denied hearings, animals rehomed or euthanized before legal review, and families pressured into silence through gag orders or excessive care fees. LAW is now evaluating a potential federal class action lawsuit to address systemic constitutional violations.
SPCA Overreach: A National Pattern Emerges
While many SPCA chapters operate ethically and save thousands of animals, LAW’s white paper reveals that others routinely act with quasi-law enforcement power but little accountability. Key findings include:
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WHEN ANIMAL WELFARE GOES TOO FAR?
WHEN ANIMAL WELFARE GOES TOO FAR?
An Investigative Look Into Allegations of SPCA Overreach in Rural Texas**
By: Craig R. Hanna- United K9 Magazine
Investigator BL Cozad
Across Texas, animal welfare organizations often stand at the front lines of rescuing neglected and abused animals. But in several rural counties, concerns are growing that some enforcement actions—intended to protect animals—may instead be causing unintended harm to the very communities they serve.
Recently, a private investigator submitted a detailed report to United K9 Magazine outlining a series of serious allegations regarding SPCA-related operations in Hunt County and Van Zandt County, Texas. These allegations, which remain unproven in a court of law, center on claims of improper seizures, due process violations, and questionable partnerships between nonprofit animal organizations and local officials.
United K9 Magazine has reviewed the information and spoken with several sources as part of an ongoing investigation.
A Pattern of Complaints From Rural Pet Owners
According to the private investigator, at least five residents across Hunt and Van Zandt counties claim they were subjected to unlawful animal seizures based on what they describe as exaggerated or fabricated allegations of cruelty or neglect.
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Press Release: What Hunt County TX and the SPCA of Texas Don’t Want You to Know: The United K9 Story
United K9 Magazine
Truth, Transparency, and Trust: Standing Strong for Our K9 Community
In the world of animal care and training, integrity isn’t just a word it’s the foundation of every relationship we build, every dog we train, and every client who trusts us with their four-legged family members. Recently, United K9 Academy found itself caught in the crossfire of misinformation, bureaucratic failure, and misuse of authority. Today, we’re sharing our story to ensure the truth is known and the community we serve continues to stand united.
On April 1, 2024, a joint operation by the SPCA Of Texas and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office raided a separate facility, K9 Academy (who’s story will be coming out). Despite having no involvement with that business, United K9 Academy’s name was wrongfully linked in the SPCA’s initial press release. Within hours, that misinformation spread online resulting in threats, reputational damage, and personal risk to our founder and staff.
Just days later, on April 3, the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office arrested our founder based on a complaint riddled with inconsistencies and procedural violations. No animals were seized during the arrest a detail that contradicts the very mission the SPCA claims to uphold. Under Texas law, when a caretaker is detained, animals must receive immediate care and evaluation. None of that happened.
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