Uvalde shelter animals seized after alleged neglect, crowding

by Joe Conger

SAN ANTONIO -- More than 150 dogs and a handful of cats are now evidence in a civil case against the Friends of Uvalde Animal Shelter.

Uvalde County deputies raided the shelter Tuesday night, amid allegations of health concerns and filth at the property. Wednesday they were joined by volunteers from the local Humane Society and law enforcement cadets from a nearby academy, cleaning out kennels and gathering up the animals.

“In general we found overcrowded conditions, animals that needed some treatment, some malnourished animals,” said Uvalde County Attorney John Dodson.

Dodson said a judge agreed to a seizure warrant after several individuals came forward with stories of neglected animals in overcrowded cages.

A concerned volunteer tells KENS-TV complaints against the shelter date back to 2007.

Dodson said recent changes to Texas law made it easier for them to get and serve the warrant.

Officials said most of the animals appeared to be doing well, but deputies discovered a dead dog in a trash pile on the premises.

Besides the intense smell, there was evidence of insects and parasites. Volunteers could be seen spraying themselves down with repellants, as they help round up the dogs.

Dodson said, “I visibly noticed ticks and noticed what appeared to be mange to me. So, I’m sure that’s being treated.”

Out front, a small triage unit was set up, where veterinarians inventoried and examined the animals.

And behind a privacy fence, deputies found makeshift tents that housed even more dogs.

So many, the county attorney has agreed to wash everything down and keep the animals here until the owner’s court date next week..."  More & video


Slideshow:  Animals seized from Uvalde Humane Society