By Scott Harvey
Leonard – More than a dozen animals were seized from a property in Leonard Friday, marking the second such incident in the city this year.
Seven dogs, five of them puppies, and another five cats were reported to be living inside a home with no signs of food or water dishes. The animals were said to be underweight, and the puppies covered in fleas.
All are currently being cared for at Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney.
The property owner's name was not released. Fannin County District Attorney Richard Glaser says that due to the nature of the neglect, perhaps the animals aren't the only ones who may need assistance.
The SPCA's Lacy Ball feels it was more a lack of knowledge on the owner's behalf than intentional neglect.
"I didn't think that they had been mistreated," Ball said. "It was just, in my opinion, kind of an overwhelming responsibility and I think that the owner lost track a little bit. I don't think there was any malicious intent going on."
A custody hearing has been set for Thursday, with Justice of the Peace Alan Hale presiding.
In May, 75 dogs and cats were seized from another property in Leonard. The SPCA was eventually was awarded custody.
Friday's seizure came on the final day of the SPCA's Critter Camp, which instructs area youth how to property care for animals.