The Brandywine Valley SPCA has secured the surrender of 82 dogs from a Texas animal sanctuary, emptying a property whose founder has been charged with animal cruelty. More than a dozen BVSPCA staff members traveled to Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary Rescue and Rehab in Rockdale, Texas, and spent more th an a week working with the Milam County Sheriff’s Office to assess, care for and transport the dogs. BVSPCA said they stepped in last week amid increased concern about dogs that remained at Dogtown Ranch. The organization negotiated with the sanctuary’s founder to access the property, document conditions and facilitate the voluntary surrender of the 82 dogs. A horse that was also at Dogtown Ranch was removed from the property, according to BVSPCA. The founder of Dogtown Ranch has been charged with animal cruelty by the Milam County Sheriff’s Office. “We are grateful for the generous assistance of Brandywine Valley SPCA. Their expertise and willingness to take in these animals made all the difference,” Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore said in a news release. “I appreciate their willingness to step in and assist. This case will now move through the court process where the Dogtown Ranch founder is presumed innocent of the underlying charges unless and until proven otherwise in court.”   Clear the Shelters Oct 3 Clear the Shelters: Meet Craig Clear the Shelters Sep 17 2026 Clear The Shelters campaign drives 135K pet adoptions, raises $480K in donations BVSPA said one dog, named Baby Reina who is a older mixed breed was found severely emaciated, dehydrated, barely responsive, lying in her own waste in a metal crate. Baby Reina in a blanket, carried her from the property and rushed her to an emergency veterinarian. Now with the proper care, she has been released from the hospital and in the care of BVSPCA. “Once we were on the property the first day and met Baby Reina and the other dogs, we knew we couldn’t stop until every animal of Dogtown Ranch was guaranteed a brighter future,” said BVSPCA CEO Adam Lamb. “I’m so proud of our team for their hard work to help these dogs.” The other dogs were transported to a temporary shelter, where they received care before being moved to locations where they can be made available for adoption, BVSPCA said. To accommodate the new wave of dogs, the organization is waiving adoption fees for all dogs 6 months and older at all of these locations, including its Delaware and Pennsylvania locations; two locations in Washington, DC; Humane Society of Harrisburg Area and Animal Adoption Center in New Jersey. If you would like to learn more about this lifesaving mission and support BVSPA visit bvspca.org/DogtownRanch for more information. ...read more read less