Sign: Kerra’s Shooting Was Filmed — A Federal Raid Exposed Widespread Cruelty At Breeding Operation

Published: January 26, 2026 at 10:50 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Hopkins County, Texas – Authorities opened an animal cruelty investigation following the release of a video that allegedly shows 50-year-old Kristine Hicks tying up a black German Shepherd named Kerra and shooting the dog multiple times. Hicks, who owns and operates a breeding operation at her 80-acre Giant German Shepherd Ranch in Hopkins County, claims the video shows a “mercy killing” because Kerra had a large tumor, but a former employee has a different story.

Megan Sprinkle, the former employee who recorded Kerra’s death, tells CBS News the dog was killed because she could no longer breed, adding:

“During my employment, I witnessed and documented extreme neglect, unethical practices, and criminal acts involving dogs. On the property, there were 27 deceased dogs documented since August 1st alone, all in varying stages of decomposition.”

Federal authorities, including the FBI and agents with the Department of Justice, raided Hicks’ property and dozens of German shepherds were seized. Big Dog Ranch Rescue, who helped with the January 9 rescue effort, said conditions at the property were “shocking.”

Lauree Simmons, the founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue said, “This is probably one of the most horrific cases I’ve seen in a breeder and this breeder has been running under the radar.”

Hicks is currently facing one animal cruelty charge and one charge for possession of marijuana. More charges are expected. Please add your name to the petition to hold Kristine Hicks accountable for the treatment of the German shepherds at her breeding operation.

Animal Victory will push for:

• A full and thorough investigation into all allegations connected to this breeding operation

• Kristine Hicks to be permanently banned from owning, residing with, or working with animals

Warning: Graphic and heartbreaking video footage of Kerra’s killing below.

Decision Makers:

• Hopkins County District Attorney, Will Ramsay
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• U.S. Department of Justice
• U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Texas

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Kristine Hicks be held accountable for the inhumane killing of the German shepherd named Kerra, and the dozens of other dogs whose remains were found on her property. We also demand that Hicks be permanently banned from owning, residing with, or working with animals. Laws must recognize the seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these acts are held fully accountable.

Note: Dogs seized from the Giant German Shepherd Ranch went to various rescue groups and shelters, including Big Dog Rescue Ranch in Florida, and the SPCA of Texas.

⚠ Viewer discretion advised.Based on reports from authorities; details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.

News

CBS News

CBS 12

Dallas Morning News

Lawyers’ Statement

CASE UPDATES

Update 3/27/2026: Federal Defendant Kristine Hicks, Case #4:26-CR-00058-JDK-JDL, Federal Prosecutor: Paul Morris. Plea agreement deadline: 04/27/2026, Jury Selection: 05/26/2026 at 9:00 a.m., Pre-trial Conference: 05/18/2026 at 1:30 p.m., Jury Trial: 05/26/2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Update 3/24/2026: Kristine Hicks has now been federally indicted and arraigned, with prosecutors pursuing charges including wire fraud and operating an unlicensed breeding facility. The case is being handled by a newly formed federal animal cruelty task force, and she faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Update 1/31/2026: Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the organization that assisted in this rescue effort, has taken in 64 more dogs from this breeding operation. The group said, “There were also 27 puppies who had been deliberately hidden on another property, left in unsafe conditions.” Adding, “Thankfully, all of them are now safe at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, where each dog and puppy will receive medical treatment, and the second chance they always deserved. We also want to thank US Attorney General @agpambondi Pam Bondi, including her team at the DOJ, Sec. of Agriculture @secrollins Brooke Rollins, John Walk including their teams at the USDA and Big Dog Ranch Rescue President @lauree.simmons Lauree Simmons for stepping in swiftly, securing evidence, and ensuring the remaining dogs are still alive are finally safe.”