Officials: 35 Neglected Animals Seized

WILLS POINT — Van Zandt County authorities say 35 neglected animals have been seized. On Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office and the SPCA of Texas seized 22 dogs, 11 cats, one pig, and one goat from an alleged puppy mill in Wills Point. According to a Sheriff’s Office news release, “The animals were cruelly confined, forced to live in their own filth, and were not receiving proper water or care…All of the animals were living in unsanitary conditions, which were infested with mice, roaches and fleas. The animals are suffering from a variety of issues, including hair loss, eye discharge, long nails, flea infestation and many are thin.” According to authorities, the animal owner and a family member both said the animal owner had been breeding the dogs and selling them.

The Sheriff’s Office contacted the SPCA of Texas on March 14th regarding suspected animal cruelty. According to law officers, the SPCA then attempted to work with the animal owner to bring the animals’ living conditions into compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code. Officials say there was no response from the animal owner, so the SPCA contacted the Sheriff’s Office Investigator on March 20th and visited the property. As the animals’ living conditions had allegedly not improved, the SPCA and the Sheriff’s Office concurred that the animals needed to be removed. A custody hearing will be held on Thursday, March 29th, at 10:00am at the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Pct. #3 Courthouse in Wills Point.