The organizations have successfully completed a months-long effort to rescue over 125 dogs from inhumane conditions in Ellis County, officials say.
FERRIS, Texas — The Ferris Animal Services and Flying B Animal Rescue and Sanctuary have successfully completed a months-long effort to rescue over 125 dogs from inhumane conditions in Ellis County, officials say.
Both organizations used standard protocols and owner surrenders to reduce the number of animals on the farm, the city of Ferris said in a press release.
Rescuers took a proactive approach to reduce the number of dogs on the properties over several months, with a final emergency removal of over 75 animals, according to the release.
“This wasn’t just a mission; it was an act of devotion that our team lived every day for months,” said Todd McGehee, Ferris Animal Services manager. “When the weight of their suffering began to exceed our local resources, we knew we had to call in the best. Partnering with RedRover and American Humane allowed us to turn a desperate situation into a rescue mission, ensuring these dogs received the dignity and life-saving care they’ve waited so long for.”
The city confirms that almost all animals have been officially transferred to long-term placement partners, such as Hearts and Bones Rescue and Saving Hope Animal Rescue, as of May 8, 2026. The remaining 10 dogs await their upcoming scheduled transfer to Hearts and Bones in the northern part of the county.
Rescuers say the mission exposed the need for a permanent animal welfare campus in the region.
According to the release, a multi-million-dollar Animal Welfare Campus is being built in North Texas that will respond to everyday sheltering needs, while also having the capability to handle large-scale cruelty incidents. Cities across North Texas will have access to a regional life-saving hub for both municipal animal services and private rescue partnerships, with emergency response capacity and low-cost veterinary care.
To make all of this possible, Flying B Rescue has actively opened its strategic funding round to the private sector.