50 Horses Dead, More Than 80 Animals Seized From Texas Sanctuary

VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TEXAS — The SPCA of Texas Tuesday raided a self-described 'sanctuary' for animals only to find that some 50 horses were dead and decaying while another 87 farm animals were living in deplorable conditions caused by neglect and abuse.

The SPCA said in a press release that, in all, 70 horses, nine donkeys, six pigs and one longhorn were seized from the property.

The first reports of mistreatment came in early March. At that time, the organization began working with the owners to ensure the animals were cared for properly, the release states.

An investigator checked in on the animals twice during the month of March, but on March 30, a someone called the SPCA to report seeing more than 50 dead horses on the property.

Investigators went to the property and began removing some animals at that time, the release states. They returned again April 3 to remove more animals and finally, with a seizure warrant from Van Zandt County Sheriff's Department, returned to move the remaining animals to safety on Tuesday.

More than half the animals were found roaming in a large field without access to food or water, the release stated. The remaining animals were confined to smaller pastures, also without access to food or water.

The release states the animals all have several symptoms of health issues including malnourishment, open sores, nasal discharge, diarrhea, hair loss, cracked hooves, fly bites and more.

The pigs will be taken to Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney for treatment while the horses, donkeys and longhorn will be taken to an offsite care facility.

A necropsy will be performed on one horse to determine its cause of death, the release states.

Warning: Some of the below photos are graphic.

Image via SPCA