Jake Stephen Davis Held on $150K Bond After Seven Dogs Rescued from Property

On May 27, 2026, the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jake Stephen Davis and charged him with alleged Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals — Torture, a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 42.092. Under Texas law, a person commits this offense by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing severe harm or unnecessary suffering to an animal. Davis is being held on a $150,000 bond.

An arrest is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

During a civil custody hearing Tuesday, May 26, in the Hunt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Courthouse (1106 Main St, Commerce, TX 75428), Judge Kerry Crews ordered the release of seven dogs to the SPCA of Texas. Judge Crews found that the animal owner, Davis, allegedly failed to provide proper care for the five male and two female Cur-type dogs. Judge Crews also awarded the SPCA of Texas $4,056 in restitution.

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office rescued six dogs from the side of a farm-to-market road in Hunt County after receiving a report from a concerned citizen. Investigators found the six dogs confined to pens with no visible access to food and only small amounts of contaminated rainwater. A seventh dog was found nearby, secured with a heavy chain near a small wooden dog house and a bowl of contaminated water.

The SPCA of Texas ACI Unit immediately provided water to all seven dogs and assessed their condition. One dog was found to be extremely weak and in rapidly declining condition. Because of the apparent critical condition of the six dogs in the pens, investigators carried out an emergency rescue out of concern the animals would not survive without immediate care and to preserve evidence. The dogs were transported to the SPCA of Texas Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center for emergency veterinary treatment and evaluation.

Investigators obtained a warrant the same day authorizing custody of the six dogs already removed from the property, as well as the seventh dog that remained on-site. On the morning of May 18, the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit, again assisted by the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, returned to the property and safely removed the remaining dog.

The dogs are currently receiving medical treatment and supportive care and are in stable condition as they continue their recovery.

“Our medical team continues to carefully assess each dog’s condition and provide the highest standard of care possible,” said SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. “At the same time, our behavior team is patiently helping these dogs build trust through gentle socialization and compassion. Seeing them begin to relax and respond to kindness reminds us just how resilient they are, and we’re proud to provide them with safety and care at the SPCA of Texas Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center.”

Source: SPCA of Texas