VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — 94 allegedly cruelly treated animals were seized from a Van Zandt County property on Tuesday, according to the SPCA of Texas.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — 94 allegedly cruelly treated animals were seized from a Van Zandt County property on Tuesday, according to the SPCA of Texas.
Four of the 94 animals were deceased when the SPCA of Texas took custody of the animals under a seizure warrant.
"The 90 live animals seized include 60 pigs, nine dogs, eight horses, five donkeys, three goats, three chickens, one turkey, and one cat," stated a press release from the SPCA of Texas. "Four deceased animals, including three pigs and one rabbit, were also removed."
On October 15, 2018, the SPCA of Texas received a complaint of suspected animal cruelty at the property. An SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigator visited the property the next day, made contact with the owner, but was allowed to view the animals from the front of the property or see the conditions inside the residence.
"During this visit, the investigator implemented an agreement with the animal owner to bring the animals' conditions into compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code, educating the owner on the proper feeding and care of animals," stated the release.
On November 19, 2018, the investigator returned to the residence and was able to gain access to the entire property. The conditions there were "dire" and not in compliance with the Texas Health and Safety Code, according to the release, which provided the probable cause for a seizure warrant which was executed the next day.
The animals appeared to be suffering from various health conditions including, eye discharge, nasal discharge, cracked hooves, long nails, and a majority of the animals were significantly underweight, according to the SPCA of Texas.
"The pigs, chickens and turkey were found confined to various separate pens with little to no access to food or potable water. Some of the live pigs were kept in pens containing deceased pigs. The horses were confined to pens and small pastures. Four dogs and the cat were found inside the residence, which was filled with debris, urine and feces. The remainder of the dogs were found roaming free on the property," stated the release.
"Additional evidence was gathered that indicated the animal owner was selling some of the animals for a profit," stated the release. "Criminal charges are expected to be filed in this case."
The horses, donkeys, chickens, goats and turkey were transported to the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, the dogs and cat were transported to the SPCA of Texas' Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center, and the live pigs were transported to an offsite care facility, where they will be evaluated by medical staff and cared for until a custody hearing takes place on November 30, 2018 at 9 a.m. before Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Sandra Plaster.
A licensed veterinarian will perform necropsies on the deceased animals to attempt to determine the causes of death.