Feb 11, 2010: Seized Animals In Red Tape Limbo Jennifer Dodd A total of 48 dogs were seized along with 13 cats from a small home a few miles away on Farm-to-Market 470."I have rescue groups lined up that want to take these dogs and give them the care that they need," said Jennifer Gaertner, Community Liaison for Bandera County Animal Care Services.A judge approved the seizure Thursday, deeming the conditions the animals were living in at the home of Willard and Pat D'Spain unsafe and unclean. The seized animals would have gone up for adoption Friday, except the D'Spain's appealed the judges decision.While Gaertner said samples taken from the grime on the floor of the D'Spain's home tested positive for feces, Pat D'Spain said the mess was caused by a recent pipe burst that flooded their home..." More & video Feb 2, 2010: County seizes 61 animals By Jessica Hawley-Jerome |
After receiving numerous complaints that the D'Spain's dogs were roaming at large in the highway and neighbor's yards, Bandera County Animal Control Liaison Jennifer Gaertner went to the D'Spain home on FM 470 toward Tarpley to suggest she repair her fence line.
"While we were there, we noticed the living conditions," Gaertner said.
Gaertner immediately secured a seizure warrant from Justice of the Peace Lynn Holt on Jan. 27 and returned to the D'Spain residence with Bandera County Deputy Rick Neely and a Comfort veterinarian. According to reports, the living conditions outside and inside of the home were squalid.
Medina County and the City of Hondo Animal Control Units assisted in transporting the animals - 48 dogs and 13 cats - to the Bandera County Animal Control Center. Euthanasia has been recommended for some of the animals; Gaertner said others that appear to be healthy have underlying medical issues..." More
