Neighbors Say Officer Arrested For Animal Cruelty Tried To "Save Them"
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Residents who live near the Dallas Police Department officer who was arrested on animal cruelty charges said their neighbor thought she was rescuing animals.
Italy Police arrested Sgt. Kandy Standige after police said they found six dogs and one goat in deplorable conditions. Veterinarians at SPCA of Texas in Dallas took into the animals and began giving them medication for parasites and poor skin conditions.
"You're in law enforcement and that's part of the law. You know, dog cruelty. She's not above the law," said Richard Branam, who lives across the street.
Residents said the home where the animals were kept did not have running water.
"She comes over and instead of going in the house to sleep, she sleeps in her car in the driveway," said Branam.
Inside the home, investigators said they found feces and urine-soaked floors. Police said the dogs seemed starved and were covered in fleas, ticks and were suffering from hair loss.
"She needs help. Plain and simple. You don't hoard animals. It's some kind of sickness," said Sugar Roberts, who lives two houses down from Standige.
Roberts said she was one of the resident who called police about the animals. She said Standige told her she was rescuing the animals and did not need help.
"She's misguided with her efforts. She had good intentions but you don't treat animals like that," said Roberts.
As an animal lover himself, Branham said ultimately it is a sad situation for both his neighbor and her animals.
"Dogs are human too and they got to be taken care of. If you can't take care of them, don't get them," said Branam.
Dallas Police said Standige, who has worked with the department since 1995, is on administrative leave.
A custody hearing is scheduled for August 10th and 10 a.m. in Waxahachie.
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