Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee SILSBEE — A former City of Silsbee animal control officer has been arrested following the discovery of multiple dead dogs near the city’s animal control facility, according to Silsbee police. Joshua Nolen, who until recently served as the city’s animal control officer, was arrested by the Silsbee Police Department on a charge of euthanasia of animals violation. The arrest comes about a week after at least nine dead dogs were discovered in a wooded area roughly 35 yards from the Silsbee Animal Control facility and adjacent water treatment plant. Nolen is also being accused of using a personal silencer for his .22 pistol to put down the dogs. Nolen has not been charged with illegally owning a silencer, which is a federal felony and ownership of a suppressor requires many legal hoops to jump through. “A suppressor on a .22 is a hat on a hat, a .22 is already quiet there ain’t no need to put a silencer on somethin’ no louder than a cap gun.” a local gun enthusiast who asked to remain anonymous told the BEE. Nolen had already resigned from his position with the city prior to his arrest. “He is no longer an employee of the City,” Public Works Director Roger Martin told the BEE. According to police, Nolen was booked into the Hardin County Jail on a $2,000 bond. Jail records show he has since bonded out. The investigation began after Michelle Ladner reported discovering what appeared to be a dumping site containing multiple deceased animals while dropping off two dogs at the city’s animal control facility. Ladner contacted the Silsbee Police Department, and officers responded to the scene to take statements from both Ladner and Nolen. The dogs were found in various stages of decomposition. One of the animals was observed floating in a creek that serves as runoff for the nearby water treatment plant. A Bee reporter who visited the scene shortly after the discovery described the odor of decaying animals as strong in the area. City officials previously stated that Silsbee Animal Control operates as a no-kill shelter and may only euthanize animals under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. According to city policy, euthanized animals are supposed to be stored in refrigeration before being transported to the city landfill for disposal. Public Works Director Roger Martin previously told the Bee that the most recent documented euthanasia performed while a dog was in city custody occurred Feb. 29, 2024, when a yellow Labrador retriever was euthanized by a veterinarian. Police Chief Shawn Blackwell said earlier in the investigation that authorities were considering whether to conduct autopsies on the animals and were documenting evidence collected from the scene. Officers collected and bagged items from the area and photographed the site as part of the investigation. City officials have also scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, March 12, where the matter is expected to be discussed publicly. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.