Dogtown Ranch to close after owner arrested, accused of animal cruelty

CAMERON, Texas (KWTX) - The owner of a Milam County animal rescue has been arrested on an animal cruelty charge, and the rescue is shutting down after surrendering more than 80 animals. [KBTX 2]

CAMERON — A Milam County animal sanctuary operator was taken into custody this month following allegations of animal neglect, prompting the facility to cease operations and release all animals in its care.

Deputies arrested 69-year-old Angela Sera on Oct. 6 on a charge of animal cruelty, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Sera ran Dogtown Ranch and Sanctuary, located outside Rockdale in Milam County. The arrest came after approximately one week of coordination with the Brandywine Valley SPCA, during which Sera agreed to close the operation and transfer 82 animals to the organization's custody.

The criminal charge centers on medical documentation involving a pit bull terrier mix identified as Baby Reina. After the dog was transferred to Brandywine Valley SPCA, examination at a Travis County veterinary clinic revealed parasitic infections, dehydration, flea and tick infestations, and severe malnourishment. Medical records indicated the animal's health problems were substantial and had persisted for an extended period without proper treatment.

According to investigators, a veterinarian who inspected the property on July 9 examined Reina and recommended veterinary care but found insufficient evidence at that time to support criminal charges. A subsequent examination conducted Aug. 5 at a Lee County animal clinic determined the dog was significantly underweight and showed signs of cataracts, dental disease and a partially healed staph infection. No documented medical interventions were provided to the animal between that visit and its eventual surrender.

Sheriff Mike Clore credited the Brandywine Valley SPCA's involvement as instrumental to resolving the situation. "Their expertise and willingness to take in these animals made all the difference," Clore said in a statement.

The case will proceed through the court system, where Sera is presumed innocent pending trial, Clore noted.