“I’m so excited about this initiative because it’s a very effective way of catching criminals,” said Belinda Smith, an assistant district attorney who specializes in animal cruelty cases.

Smith said the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is paying $20,000 to support the effort.

The U.S. 59/York corridor has been a notorious dumping ground for animals for some years, the Crosby-area site was less  known until a year ago when a small group, Stop the Crosby Puppy Massacre,  brought it to the attention of law enforcement and the media.

The animal dumping is still going on, with five pet owners being cited in the last week. .

The group is committed to stopping animal abandonment in the Crosby area and to finding foster homes and permanent placements for rescued dogs. Through its website and Facebook page, the group is raising money for an advertising billboard and to pay for veterinary services for rescued dogs.