The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Texas has gained custody of allegedly cruelly treated equines, seized last week from a property near Greenville.
The SPCA of Texas joined with Hunt County Constable Precinct 1 Terry Jones in taking custody of five mares, two yearlings, one colt and one mule from a property on State Highway 34, about four miles north of Greenville on march 19. One deceased horse was also found on the property.
The animals were transported to the Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, where they were to be cared for until a Wednesday afternoon custody hearing before Hunt County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2 Sheila Linden.
“The man surrendered his nine horses to the SPCA,” Linden said following hearing. “They (the SPCA) agreed not to seek restitution.”
The SPCA of Texas will now individually evaluate the horses and mule for potential adoption or placement on a case by case basis.
The SPCA of Texas reported all of the animals were found roaming freely inside the fenced property, but none had access to sufficient food.
All of the livestock had long and/or chipped and cracked hooves, some have hair loss and all were caked in mud. All of the horses were said to be emaciated, with visual body scores. Three of the horses are lame. The mule has chipped and cracked hooves.
It was the second time in a month the agency and Jones conducted a seizure in Hunt County. The SPCA of Texas acted March 5 to rescue 57 dogs, 26 cats, five puppies and one kitten from a home on County Road 2597 east of Royse City.