One dog’s injury went untreated so long it became deformed. Here’s what led to a major animal rescue in Humble.
HUMBLE, Texas — Eighteen dogs are now in the care of the Houston SPCA after investigators say they were found living in severe neglect at a Humble property operated by a dog breeder, with possible animal cruelty charges on the horizon.
Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen says the animals were discovered malnourished, neglected and kept in cruel confinement. Investigators say the owner had previously been warned about the conditions before authorities moved in to remove the dogs.
Rosen described what they found at the property.
“Dogs were stacked in cages. They had a dog that had a very thick chain that it was attached to, and that’s against the law. And the dogs were very malnourished, emaciated and in poor health.”
Rosen says the owner had chances to clean things up before it came to this.
“He was not a responsible animal owner. He had been warned. We tried to educate, and now it’s time to come in and do some enforcement.”
The Houston SPCA says many of the dogs were found without food, water or proper shelter. One dog had a severe leg injury that investigators say had gone untreated.
Julie Kuenstle, VP of communications for the Houston SPCA, summed up the scene simply.
Kuenstle described the conditions some of the dogs were found in.
“There was one dog who had a severe leg injury that had not been treated and was now deformed at this point. And another dog that was on a heavy chain tethered to a heavy chain, which is against state law.”
The dogs are currently undergoing medical exams as investigators continue to build their case. The Houston SPCA is also fighting for custody of the animals.
Kuenstle urged the public to speak up for animals in need.
“These animals were suffering, they were being neglected.”
A custody hearing is set for tomorrow morning. Investigators say possible animal cruelty charges against the owner could follow.
Anyone who suspects animal cruelty is encouraged to report it to authorities.
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