More than 100 animals, mostly dogs were seized from a property just east of Greenville on Monday. Hunt County Constable for Precinct 1 Terry Jones and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office deputies supported the SPCA of Texas in the action at the home on County Road 3103, near Interstate 30.
Maura Davies with the SPCA of Texas told the Greenville Herald-Banner the animals were kept in cramped and filthy conditions in an “extreme case” of animal cruelty.
“There was the volume of barking dogs we could hear outside, as well as the smell of feces and urine,” Davies said.
A total of 117 animals were seized from the property, including 93 adult dogs, 22 puppies and two cats.
Davies said all but 17 of the animals were housed in containers inside a 20-by-20 foot enclosure next to the house, with each of the containers holding up to three dogs.
“There was no air conditioning and it was very, very hot,” Davies said. “The owner did say he was selling the dogs for money.”
Davies said the SPCA of Texas was contacted after a Child Protective Services investigation at the home late last week noted the condition of the dogs. The agency worked alongside Jones and the sheriff’s office to obtain a search and seizure warrant after the owner of the home allegedly refused allow them to enter the residence.
A custody hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 2 in the court of Hunt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2 Sheila Linden, in the Hunt County Criminal Justice Center, 2801 Stuart Street in Greenville.
