ABLES SPRINGS, Texas — An anonymous tip led to the seizure of 14 dogs in the Ables Springs area of Kaufman County on Friday morning which authorities say were being cruelty treated.
ABLES SPRINGS, Texas — An anonymous tip led to the seizure of 14 dogs in the Ables Springs area of Kaufman County on Friday morning which authorities say were being cruelty treated.
The dogs, ten adults and four puppies, had varying health issues including hair loss, flea infestation, sores, and other health problems, according to the SPCA of Texas.
SPCA of Texas Rescue and Investigations team first visited the property on Thursday, July 28, 2016, and attempted to contact the animals’ owner.
“The animal owner was unavailable, and as at least one of the dogs appeared to be in dire need of rescue, the SPCA of Texas and Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office concurred that it was in the animals' best interest to remove them,” stated the SPCA.
“All of the adult dogs and two of the puppies were found tethered on the property by heavy tow chains to car axles that had been driven into the ground. The remaining two puppies were living inside a feces-filled, urine soaked shed on the property,” stated the SPCA.
None of the dogs had proper access to food and water and only a few of the dogs had shelter from the sun. One of the dogs was given an on-site IV for fluids and, later, a blood transfusion due to a severe flea infestation.
According to the SPCA, the dogs’ living conditions were consistent with the housing of game dogs, also known as fighting dogs.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office obtained a seizure warrant and granted the SPCA of Texas temporary custody until a custody hearing could be held on August 4, 2016. The dogs were transported to the SPCA of Texas’ Emergency Rescue Center in Dallas, Texas, where they are being examined by medical staff.
Criminal charges may be pending.
