Nearly 50 animals living in squalid conditions were rescued from a North Houston home today in a large-scale operation by the Houston SPCA and Harris County Constable Precinct 1.
The rescue included 13 dogs, 10 cats, one rabbit, and 25 fowl.
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Responders found the animals in horrific conditions, with rooms filled with trash, urine, and feces. Some of the animals were confined to wire kennels in the backyard, with at least one dog suffering from a large untreated tumor.
This isn’t the first intervention at this location. Both the Houston SPCA and Precinct 1 responded to the same property eight years ago, rescuing 32 dogs from similar neglect.
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Precinct 1 served a civil warrant for 33 of the animals, allowing the Houston SPCA to remove them from the property. According to Precinct 1, no charges are being filed. Officials say it was a case of someone attempting to take in too many stray animals.
Josh Sailor, chief of animal cruelty at the Houston SPCA, highlighted the ongoing challenges of animal hoarding, stating, “It’s critical that we work closely with law enforcement in nine surrounding counties to help keep tabs on properties hoarding animals as it is common they become repeat offenders. The horrific living conditions do nothing but create a world of neglect and suffering for the animals.”
The animals are now receiving veterinary care at the SPCA’s facility, where they will remain until a custody hearing next week.
A judge will determine the animals’ future, as authorities continue to monitor the property for compliance and potential recidivism.
KPRC’s Corley Peel will have more on this story at 5 and 6 p.m.