Kristine Michelle Hicks of Cumby was indicted on Mar. 23 for alleged violations related to an unlicensed dog breeding operation in Hopkins County, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
The case has drawn attention due to allegations of severe mistreatment of animals and deceptive business practices at the facility known as "Giant German Shepherds." The indictment states that most animals at the facility required emergency care because of starvation, illnesses caused by parasites, lack of veterinary treatment and immunizations, and insufficient shelter from weather conditions.
According to the indictment, Hicks is accused of operating a dog breeding and sales business without a license between June 2024 and December 2025. The investigation began after a video surfaced online showing Hicks tying a dog to a tree and shooting it three times, resulting in its death.
Hicks also faces four counts of wire fraud for allegedly making false claims about the dogs' parentage, health status, training level, temperament, and registration with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in order to increase their sale price. One instance described in court documents involved selling an aggressive dog as a service animal to a paralyzed veteran; this animal reportedly had behavioral issues requiring it be muzzled before receiving veterinary care. The indictment further alleges that some dogs sold were mixed breeds or sourced from other litters while being represented as healthy AKC-registered animals.
If convicted on all charges, Hicks could face up to 20 years in federal prison. The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation into these allegations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Morris is prosecuting the case.
Authorities remind that an indictment is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
