LUBBOCK WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO 11 FEDERAL ANIMAL ABUSE COUNTS, FACES UP TO 77 YEARS

LUBBOCK WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO 11 FEDERAL ANIMAL ABUSE COUNTS, FACES UP TO 77 YEARS

Laura Russell, 24, of Lubbock, pleaded guilty Monday to 11 federal counts of animal crushing, according to the report provided.

Her plea agreement lists a combined maximum prison term of 77 years. That is the maximum possible penalty, not a sentence already imposed.

The investigation began after a Lubbock Animal Shelter official received an email on February 5, 2026, containing a photograph allegedly showing animal abuse. Investigators identified Russell through a distinctive wrist tattoo visible in the image.

The FBI later became involved. Authorities seized Russell’s phone while she was traveling through Arkansas on May 23, then transferred it to Lubbock and obtained a federal warrant to search it.

According to the reported factual resume accompanying her plea, the case involved abuse of 2 dogs and 11 files documenting her actions.

Animal crushing is the federal charge named in the case. The supplied report does not identify a sentencing date or provide an update on the dogs’ conditions.

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