Following an Oct. 7 seizure hearing in Justice of the Peace Ben Collins’ court, custody of 32 dogs and puppies removed from a Pine Street property last week has been officially awarded to the city of Beaumont. The decision paves the way for several of the rescued dogs to be placed for adoption — the latest event in what began as an animal cruelty investigation.
Beaumont Animal Care (BAC) Officer Brooklin Moore, who led the seizure, said the outcome ensures the animals’ safety and gives them a second chance at life.
“These dogs came from terrible conditions,” Moore said. “Now, they’ll have the opportunity to be in safe, loving homes where they’ll never have to experience that again.”
The dogs were seized Sept. 30, after Moore obtained a warrant and discovered dozens of animals tethered with heavy chains, confined in makeshift cages, and showing signs of neglect and injury.
At the Oct. 7 hearing, Collins ordered that the animals remain in the city’s custody and required the dogs’ owner, Patrick Perkins, to pay $6,401.72 in veterinary-related costs — fees that reflect medical care the dogs should have received long before their removal, according to Moore.
“We had impoundment and boarding fees totaling nearly $6,000, but we waived those if Mr. Perkins agreed to forgo appealing the court’s decision,” Moore explained. “He is still responsible for the veterinary costs.”
Although Perkins has not yet been criminally charged, Moore confirmed that the case will be referred to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review. She also noted that Perkins had four times the legal limit of dogs permitted within city limits, which is 8.
Of the 32 dogs seized, Moore said approximately 10 adult dogs will be available for adoption directly from Beaumont Animal Care, while the puppies have been tagged by an affiliated rescue organization that will facilitate their placement. One of the dogs — described as one of the most severely neglected — had to be euthanized after veterinarians discovered widespread infection and necrotic tissue during surgery.
Because of the conditions these animals endured, Beaumont Animal Care will implement extra adoption safeguards, including home visits and veterinary reference checks — a process not typically required for standard adoptions. Despite their past, the dogs have shown no signs of aggression toward people and appear eager for affection, Moore said.
“None of them were people-aggressive,” she said. “They just want to be loved on. Some are a little nervous, but they’ve been through a lot.”
Beaumont Animal Care is encouraging anyone with information about activities involving these or other animals at Perkins’ residence to contact Beaumont Animal Care or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS.
“These dogs deserve justice,” Moore said. “And now, at least, they have a chance at a better life.”