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Ivanhoe man pleads for help with pack of dogs

The city of Ivanhoe hasn't found a solution to get rid of the dogs, but a court order to dispose of them has been issued.

IVANHOE, Texas — A pack of dogs outside a home in Ivanhoe, south of Woodville, is breeding concerns among some homeowners.

Michael Gray has been taking in stray dogs for years, but now he has so many locals said it's become a problem. 

Gray told 12News the issue is with people dumping dogs in the neighborhood.

"People coming into Ivanhoe and Tyler County, dropping off dogs and expecting the residents to be able to feed and take care of them," Gray said. "This is the result."

Ivanhoe Mayor Cathy Bennett said she believes Gray has roughly 50 dogs in his yard.

She adds that Gray has been cited twice in the past for having too many dogs and for dogs getting loose from his property.

The last citation came a decade ago when the Houston SPCA came and removed the dogs, Bennett said. 

Since then, the city said they had no idea it had gotten this bad, since Gray lives in the north part of the city in a wooded area. 

It wasn't until last week, when Gray got bit while breaking up a dogfight, that Mayor Bennett was notified.

She said Gray asked her to help get rid of them, fearing they will get out when hundreds of people, including kids, come to Ivanhoe for Memorial day weekend.

"There was no way we could handle the disposal of these animals in a week and one day, there's not enough time," Bennett said. 

She issued a statement to the local newspaper, which was shared on social media.

She said the city has reached out to multiple organizations to pick up of the dogs, but nobody has been willing.

Gray lives alone, has some medical issues, and recently had a log fall on his home.

He says Harvey destroyed his car in 2017 and FEMA told him that they can't assist him until the dogs are removed.

Gray said he's been doing his best to put up barricades to prevent the dogs from getting out.  

A couple organizations have begun to step in and help out, including one called the Freedom Farm Rescue.

"Poor Michael, I am going to get his four dogs fixed that he is able to keep," Freedom Farm spokesperson Cynthia Trumble said. "I have vaccinations and I will vaccinate them myself at my own cost." 

Mayor Bennett said she thinks Gray's dogs are not vaccinated, spayed nor neutered. 

Gray himself said most of the dogs are not adoptable because of their temperament.

He applauds the city of Ivanhoe for trying to help, it's the Houston SPCA he's upset with.

"The SPCA is sitting back 'well you know, we really shouldn't get involved in this, it's not a public issue,'" Gray said. "To hell it's not, this is a public safety hazard...this is why something needs to be done now."

On Tuesday, Gray was bitten two more times, making it three in the last week.

Mayor Bennett said a Marshal plans to grab the two dogs responsible for Gray's bites on Friday and take them to a vet, before being put down.

The city still doesn't know how they'll get the rest of the dogs out of the yard, but a court order to dispose of them has been issued.

“The City is asking for any help," Bennett said. "If anyone out there has a suggestion, please contact the city."

Mayor Bennett said that Gray will be able to keep four of the dogs.

Trumble said a dozen of the younger dogs be able to be adopted to new homes. 

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