(FANNIN COUNTY, TX); January 11, 2017– Yesterday, under the authority of the Fannin County Sheriff's Office, the SPCA of Texas took custody of 49 allegedly cruelly treated animals from a property near Leonard, TX, in Fannin County. The animals include 36 sheep and 13 goats. The SPCA of Texas euthanized one goat on site due to its health. More than 40 deceased goats were also found on the property. The living animals were transported to the SPCA of Texas' Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, where they will be examined by medical staff and cared for with the goal of placing them up for adoption when they are ready.

To download photos from the scene, please click HERE. 

The animals were found living on an approximately 13-acre property without access to proper food, water or veterinary care.

Most of the animals are emaciated and the animals are suffering from various health issues, including ear discharge, eye discharge, diarrhea, overgrown hooves and various injuries.

The Fannin County Sheriff's Office reached out to the SPCA of Texas regarding the animals' conditions late last week. The two agencies visited the property and agreed that it was in the animals' best interest to remove them. The Fannin County Sheriff's Office sought a seizure warrant on Monday, January 9. As the warrant was being executed yesterday, the owner voluntarily signed over custody of the animals to the SPCA of Texas, nullifying any custody hearing. It is the SPCA of Texas' understanding that criminal charges will be filed in this case.

To help support the SPCA of Texas and its efforts to help abused, neglected and homeless animals and to support the SPCA of Texas' other programs and services, please visit www.spca.org/helptheanimals.