On Jan. 18, municipal authorities in Bonham seized and took custody of 65 animals from two different properties in residential areas. According to a release from the SPCA of Texas, the 62 cats and three dogs were cruelly confined and medically neglected. The animals were transferred to an SPCA of Texas facility in Dallas that same day.
The investigation into the properties began on Saturday, after a visit to the properties on Friday showed the animal's conditions were not up to the Texas Health and Safety Code. Due to the severity of the situation, law enforcement acted quickly to remove the animals.
The owners of the houses claimed there were only 15 cats in one of the houses, but a search turned up dozens of cats and a dog. Two more dogs were found in the other house. The animals in both locations were living in their own filth and had other health issues, including flea infestation and respiratory problems.
Criminal charges have not been filed, but may be pending, City of Bonham and Fannin County officials said.
