BERNADETTE JAYNE MAYS, founder of Freedom Ranch Laredo, arrested following an investigation by the Webb County District Attorney’s Office

- Texas, USA -

Webb County District Attorney Isidro R. Alaniz announced the arrest of 33-year-old BERNADETTE JAYNE MAYS (pictured), founder of Freedom Ranch Laredo.

DA Alaniz explained during a press conference that an investigation into MAYS began on August 20, 2025, when an individual identified as Rangel, filed a complaint with his office against Freedom Ranch Laredo.

Five days later, the DA’s Office and an investigator took over the case and as part of the investigation, they visited Laredo Animal Care Services. At the facility, the dogs who had been surrendered by Freedom Ranch Laredo were found to be dehydrated and emaciated on top of being infested with fleas and ticks.

DA Alaniz said it was obvious the animals were neglected and were not being cared for.

Concerns regarding the animals at the Freedom Ranch Laredo were raised by a former employee and had been addressed to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in early August 2025.

Sheriff Martin Cuéllar then released a statement to advise that on August 7, 2025, his office’s Patrol Division received a report concerning a potential case of animal cruelty at Freedom Ranch and concluded that investigators “found no evidence to support the allegations that had been made.”

According to Sheriff Cuéllar’s statement, on August 10, 2025, Sheriff Cuéllar, accompanied by his wife and Ms. Laura Llanes (Animal Rescue Advocate), along with members of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, visited Freedom Ranch Animal Rescue and an on-site inspection of the facility was conducted.

As per the statement, “The property appeared to be generally well-maintained and clean. Small breed dogs were housed in purpose-built kennels, while newly arrived animals were kept in separate enclosures for veterinary observation and treatment. The animals were reported to have received flea and tick treatments, and documentation of these treatments is maintained digitally. The rescue informed the Sheriff’s Office that these records are available for review. Additionally, food and water were observed to be accessible to the animals.”

Sheriff Cuéllar further stated that the allegations brought forward by the former employee were under investigation and assured the community that “the welfare of the animals has been carefully evaluated and that their basic needs—food, water, shelter, and medical attention—are being met.”

DA Alaniz said his office was not consulted on the investigation conducted by the Webb County Sheriff's Office. He also emphasized that his office’s investigation is independent from the one conducted by the sheriff's office.

While according to Sheriff Cuéllar everything was in order at Freedom Ranch Laredo, District Attorney Alaniz found probable cause for MAYS’ arrest.

MAYS was arrested on August 29, 2025, on thirty-one (31) counts of animal cruelty and booked into the Webb County Jail with a $77,500 bond. Online records show that she is no longer in custody.

After MAYS’ arrest, the Webb County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook to reiterate that the conditions at Freedom Ranch Laredo “seemed to be satisfactory.”

The post read:

“We genuinely understand the community's pain and sadness concerning the Freedom Ranch incident. During the initial visit by the investigators, the dogs were provided with food, water, and shelter, and it was observed that the newly arrived animals were being kept in isolation. At this point, the conditions seemed to be satisfactory.

A subsequent visit by investigators and a experienced animal advocate still indicated that there was inadequate evidence to establish probable cause for an arrest on charges of animal cruelty. Unfortunately, after the dogs were relocated, many were found to be suffering from internal illnesses, and three had to be euthanized. In cases where illness is not immediately visible, conditions can decline swiftly without clear indicators. Sadly, this was the situation here. This unfortunate development changes the circumstances and now allows for the possibility of pursuing further charges.

We share in the sorrow of this result and are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of animal welfare in Webb County.

The Sherriff's Office is currently looking into allegations regarding potential charges unrelated to animal cruelty at Freedom Ranch, collaborating with another law enforcement agency. Unfortunately, we cannot provide further comments on this matter as it is an ongoing investigation.

Sheriff Martin Cuellar also expressed his support for his investigators, noting that they excel in their duties, and he has full faith in his entire office and their abilities as a law enforcement agency.”

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

MAYS’ mugshot shared from the Webb & Zapata DA’s Office.

Pictures shared from the Webb & Zapata DA’s Office and the Webb County Sheriff's Office.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!