PEARLAND, Texas – Approximately 85 were seized from a Pearland owner after neighbors told authorities they were found what they said were “neglectful conditions.”
In a news release from Pearland Police Department, animal control officers arrived in the 1900 block of Lily Canyon Lane after receiving reports of three loose dogs in the neighborhood.
Officials spoke to neighbors in the area to determine where the owner lived.
After making contact with the owner via phone, animal control officers arrived at the home and discovered 85 dogs, including seven dogs in the backyard. The dogs, officials said, were found in neglectful conditions with no water and shade.
Animal control officers obtained a civil seizure warrant to rescue all 85 dogs at the home.
All animals appeared to be OK and officials are working with Pearland Animal Shelter to find foster and permanent homes, and are seeking help from the public. Residents are asked to call 281-652-1970 or email pearlandpets@pearlandtx.gov.
At this time, the investigation remains ongoing.
Photos of dogs curled up in crates, several puppies and dogs on leashes are among 85 dogs seized from a Pearland Home on Friday.
“It’s just a sad story, said the owner.
KPRC 2 spoke with the owner outside the home in the Edgewater subdivision. The owner did not give his name. We are not naming him because charges have not been filed at this time.
He denied having 85 dogs in his home.
“That’s a lie, because we have some puppies too so that’s not really dog per se,” said the owner.
According to the City of Pearland, only five pets are allowed in a home. Neighbors notified Pearland police after seeing three dogs on the loose in the area. Animal Control said it found seven dogs in the owner’s backyard. The dogs were without water, shade and were in neglect conditions, according to police.
A neighbor, who wants to remain anonymous, said he watched police remove the dogs after serving a warrant.
“They were spraying some chemicals I believe and they were in and out of the house coming out of the side gate,” the neighbor said.
He said he has noticed a displeasing smell coming from his neighbors home over the past two years. He did not realize how many dogs the owner had.
“I would hear them in the mornings and they would bark I thought at the most maybe three or four,” the neighbor said.
“They took all of them without giving me a chance to do anything. I just want the best for the dogs, if they can take better care of the dogs so be it, I don’t have a problem with that. I don’t want to talk without the consent of my legal counsel. That’s all I have to say,” said the owner.
Pearland Police said this is an active criminal investigation for animal cruelty and neglect. The Pearland Animal Shelter is asking the public to adopt or foster the dogs.