LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Eighty-eight German Shepherds are finally safe after federal agents raided a Texas breeding operation where dogs were reportedly killed.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue said the January 9 rescue followed a tip on December 29 about extreme cruelty at Giant German Shepherd Ranch in Hopkins County, owned by Kristine Hicks. What authorities found was shocking: more than 100 dogs living in squalor, many in critical condition.

The case was escalated within hours thanks to a newly formed Federal Animal Cruelty Task Force, that the founder of the Big Dog Ranch Rescue helped push for. The task force includes U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Lara Trump, Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., BDRR President Lauree Simmons, and Blair Brandt. Within days, the FBI and USDA executed a search warrant, deeming the dogs unsafe to remain on the property.

"This is probably one of the most horrific cases I've seen in a breeder and this breeder has been running under the radar," said Lauree Simmons, the founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

With BDRR’s transport bus 18 hours away, the rescue organization said rescue partners stepped in. Saving Hope loaded 23 dogs into vans and personal vehicles, while Dallas SPCA and others took in dozens more. By Saturday night, BDRR’s team arrived to bring 13 of the dogs back to Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, where they are now safe and beginning their journey to recovery.

Photos taken by a former employee show skeletal remains of dogs and others Simmons says were abused, neglected and living in filthy conditions.

"Dogs that were emaciated, all kinds of skulls with collars next to them, and I was horrified," she said. "I didn't sleep for two days."

Federal agents rescued 88 German Shepherds from a Texas breeding operation after uncovering horrific abuse and evidence that dogs were killed to conceal cruelty. The December 29 raid at Giant German Shepherd Ranch in Hopkins County, owned by Kristine Hicks, revealed over 100 dogs living in filth, many critically ill, and signs of brutal slaughter. The rescue was spearheaded by Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s new Federal Animal Cruelty Task Force, prompting the FBI and USDA to deem the dogs unsafe and remove them. Multiple organizations, including Saving Hope and Dallas SPCA, mobilized to transport the animals, with most now safe at BDRR in Florida. Despite the severity, Hicks was initially charged with only one count of animal cruelty and bonded out, allegedly continuing the killings. BDRR plans to push for Kerra’s Law to strengthen breeder oversight and penalties nationwide. Advocates stress that reporting abuse saves lives—support efforts at BDRR.org. (BDRR){ }

The former employee also recorded a video who she said shows Hicks tying a German Shepherd named Kerra to a tree and shooting her several times before she dies.

"I have nightmares even rehashing and looking at this video," said Simmons.

BDRR said this rescue was possible because of a whistleblower who risked everything to report the abuse to the Hopkins County Sheriff. Advocates refused to let the evidence be ignored. Yet, despite the severity of the cruelty, Hicks was initially charged with only one count of animal cruelty, bonded out the next day, and continued killing dogs, according to the news release.

CBS12 News called Hicks for comment but were unable to reach her.

Simmons said Hicks is under investigation and will likely face more charges.

"I have no doubt with the right team in place that this lady will be shut down as a breeder forever and it's my hope that she rots in jail," Simmons said.

See Related: New statewide database of animal abusers coming to Florida

BDRR plans to propose Kerra’s Law, named for the dog whose shooting death was captured on video and sparked the investigation. The law aims to strengthen penalties and oversight for breeders nationwide. Justice will take time, but the case is now in federal hands.

If you suspect animal abuse, BDRR is asking you to speak up. To support Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s mission and give every dog a second chance, visit BDRR.org.