The SPCA of Texas, in conjunction with officials from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, removed 58 cruelly treated dogs and cats today from a residence in Elkhart, Texas, approximately 125 miles southeast of Dallas. The owner of the animals, Ms. Pat Ann Delehanty, was also arrested and charged with cruelty to animals.
The majority of the animals—35 cats and 15 dogs—were living in a small trailer that was also the owner’s main residence. Cats were confined in crates without food, water or litter boxes; the majority of the dogs were barricaded in the kitchen and living area. An additional eight dogs were found in a separate, smaller trailer on the property. The floors of both trailers were covered with feces. While a handful of dogs had access to a fenced area outdoors, a single bucket of rainwater served as the only water source. Empty bags of food were found on the property.
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The dog are all medium-to-large adult mixed breeds up to 13 years old. Cats range in age from four months to an estimated five or six years.
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Ms. Delehanty, 49, faces charges of animal cruelty. She said she rescued the animals from a humane society where they were going to be euthanized.
The animals will be examined by veterinarians and cared for until a hearing next Thursday, February 24 in Palestine, Texas, where final disposition will be determined. If the animals are awarded to the SPCA, they will be spayed and neutered and made available for adoption in the near future.
Officials from Anderson County contacted the SPCA earlier this week for assistance in removing the animals. Anderson County has been without animal control for about 18 months, but newly elected Sheriff Greg Taylor, has promised to re-instate animal control and to also address animal cruelty issues throughout the county.
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