Animals Seized From Rusk County Property

HENDERSON – Nearly four dozen animals have been seized from property near Henderson. The SPCA of Texas along with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Department seized the 46 animals earlier this week. There were 28 dogs, nine kittens, six puppies, two cats and one turtle. Investigators also found multiple remains of deceased dogs. The animals were taken to a rescue center in Dallas. A custody hearing for the animals has been scheduled in Henderson on July 6th.

According to the SPCA web site, all but one of the dogs were found outside, chained to metal bars which had been sunk into the ground as well as trees and other objects. They was no access to appropriate food or water. One dog and all of the cats were found living in the RV-type living quarters on the property. They said they were cruelly confined, forced to live in their own feces and debris, without access to appropriate food or water. The turtle was found in a small blue plastic pool outside the residence without access to appropriate food or water.

The animals appear to have varying health issues, including malnourishment, hair loss, long nails, eye discharge and flea infestation. One dog had an extremely large growth on one leg. The chains used to restrain the dogs had rubbed the dogs’ necks raw and Investigators had to use bolt cutters to free the dogs.