Two arrested on animal cruelty charges

Vicky Laniece Patrick, 59, and Darlene Elizabeth Broseh ,56, both of Canton, were arrested on Friday, April 6, by VZC Pct. 2 Constable Jesse Ison on warrants for animal cruelty charges.

Patrick and Broseh recently surrendered their animals after 60 living, and 11 deceased canines were found in their residence. Public interest in the case was increased after media outlets reported that the ladies were operating a “puppy mill” out of the home they shared in Canton.

In a hearing scheduled for March 23, 2018, in the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Court No. 2 Court, custody of all 60 living animals was awarded to the SPCA of Texas. Court documents from that hearing show that the animals were confined in a single wide trailer that showed very high levels of ammonia due to urine and feces found throughout the house. Vet reports from the SPCA show that all of the animals were infested with fleas, and many suffered hair loss. Several of the animals had illnesses including internal parasites and the highly contagious parvovirus. The worst of the animals – several nursing mothers with litters of puppies – were found confined in travel crates inside of a closet with no access to food or water. Shawn Ashley, veterinarian for the SPCA of Texas, noted that the number of fleas and parasites inside the home was of “public health importance”.

The Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges this week against each of the women after the SPCA of Texas and the Precinct 2 constable’s office forwarded their investigation for review. Cruelty to non-livestock animals is a Class A misdemeanor in the State of Texas, punishable by up to a year in the county jail and up to a $4,000 fine. The criminal prosecution is being led by Assistant Criminal District Attorney Hillary Heisel.