GREENVILLE - The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will retain custody of the nearly 250 animals seized from a property in Hunt County last week. At least for now.
“There is a 10 day period starting today, 10 calendar days, during which the animal owner has a right to appeal,” said Maura Davies, vice president of communications.
The animal owner was not present at Tuesday afternoon’s hearing before Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 Sheila Linden.
If no appeal is filed, the SPCA will evaluate each animal for possible adoption.
Complaints of inadequate food, water, shelter and care led officials with the rescue organization and law enforcement from Hunt County to the property to retrieve the animals on July 18. This came nearly two weeks after the owner had been warned to clean up the place, according to the SPCA.
The 249 animals included 186 fowl of various species, 32 rabbits, 13 cats, 11 dogs and seven piglets. They are all receiving treatment at Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney.