JP rules in favor of HSPCA in Tyler County animal seizure

Jennifer Heathcock

Dozens of animals seized from a home will be staying at the Houston SPCA.

A Justice of the Peace made the decision this afternoon in Tyler County, after hearing testimony from both sides.

It took the J.P. about 15 minutes to make a decision in the case involving dozens of animals that were rescued just East of Hillister. They've been under the care of Houston SPCA employees since July 9th.

Vyonda Lowe had been waiting 10 days to tell the judge her side of the story.

Several witnesses gave testimony about Lowe's character, her ability to feed the animals and her love for them.

But in the end, the judge decided to leave the animals in the care of the HSPCA.

Animal cruelty investigators and Tyler County Sheriff's Deputies removed 31 horses, about 20 dogs and 2 birds, citing poor health and living conditions and malnourishment..."  More

July 17, 2009: One day after animals seized, Tyler County owner speaks out

By:  Jennifer Heathcock

A Tyler County woman tonight says she knows she couldn't care for all of her animals.

Yesterday the Houston SPCA and Tyler County Sheriff's Deputies seized about 30 horses, nearly 20 dogs, 6 puppies and 2 birds from property just East of Hillister.

"I drove home to find a seizure notice on my door and all my horses gone," says Vyonda Lowe, the owner of the animals.

Vyonda Lowe says she returned home from a hospital stay to find almost all of her animals gone, only a few of her dogs remained.

Yesterday, authorities seized 31 horses, about 20 dogs and 2 birds from Lowe's property.

The animals were taken to Houston for treatment.

"Plain and simple fact, see animals in distress, you take action. Just that simple," says Sheriff David Hennigan.

Tyler County Sheriff David Hennigan says the animals were malnourished. You could see the horses' ribs and hip bones, especially the younger ones.