HOPKINS COUNTY WOMAN INDICTED IN FEDERAL CASE INVOLVING ALLEGED ABUSE, FRAUD AT DOG BREEDING FACILITY

PLANO, Texas – A Hopkins County woman is facing multiple federal charges following an investigation into what authorities describe as an unlicensed and inhumane dog breeding operation in Northeast Texas.

Kristine Michelle Hicks, 51, of Cumby, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas on one count of acting as an animal dealer without a license and four counts of wire fraud. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Hicks made her initial appearance in federal court on March 23, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Don D. Bush.

According to the indictment, the case stems from a December 2025 investigation into Hicks’ business, known as “Giant German Shepherds.” Authorities say the investigation was launched after a disturbing video circulated on social media, allegedly showing Hicks tying a dog to a tree and shooting it multiple times.

Federal investigators with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the FBI say they uncovered evidence that Hicks operated a commercial breeding and sales business from June 2024 through December 2025 without the required federal license. The indictment outlines what officials describe as deplorable living conditions for the animals, including starvation, parasite infestations, lack of veterinary care, and inadequate shelter from weather conditions.

In addition to the alleged animal welfare violations, prosecutors accuse Hicks of defrauding customers by misrepresenting the dogs she sold. According to court documents, Hicks allegedly made false claims about the dogs’ breed, health, training, and temperament, sometimes inflating prices by thousands of dollars. She is also accused of falsely advertising the animals as American Kennel Club-registered and suitable for service work.

One case highlighted in the indictment involves a disabled veteran who purchased a dog believed to be trained as a service animal. Authorities say the dog displayed aggressive behavior, injuring handlers and requiring restraints during veterinary visits.

Federal law requires certain breeders who sell animals commercially to be licensed and meet minimum standards of care under the Animal Welfare Act. Violations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties, particularly when combined with fraud allegations involving interstate communications.

If convicted, Hicks faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Officials emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Hicks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case remains under investigation.