THE HOUSTON SPCA NEEDS YOUR HELP TO CARE FOR 1,045 RESCUED ANIMALS
Thursday, September 24, 2009
By: Alice Sarmiento

This is the largest animal rescue in the history of the Houston SPCA and one of the largest in the country.

On the afternoon of September 23, 2009, law enforcement officials from Precinct One Harris County Constables Office and the Houston SPCA Cruelty Investigations Team rescued 1,045 animals from a home in Northwest Houston.  This is the largest animal rescue in the history of the Houston SPCA and one of the largest in the country.   A variety of animals including birds, exotics, small mammals, farm animals, wildlife and companion animals were all found living in deplorable conditions, cruel confinement and  lacking proper food, water and shelter.  To see the entire rescue photo album, click here.

The animals are now safely sheltered at the Houston SPCA where they are receiving proper nutritional and medical attention.  The Houston SPCA desperately needs need the following donated items:

·        Shredded paper for the gerbils and hamsters

·        Newspapers to use as bedding for the many birds in our care

·        Finch food

·        Parakeet food

·        Food for large Hook Bill birds

·        Chicken and Duck food

UPDATE:
On September 30, 2009, the Houston SPCA was awarded custody of 1,007 out of 1,009 animals seized in one of the largest animal cruelty cases in the history of the United States. Justice of the Peace David Patronella was the presiding judge at the custody hearing held at the Harris County Peace Court Precinct 1, Place 1. 

The owner of the animals requested to have 2 dogs returned to him as he claimed they belonged to his children.  The dogs will be taken to an outside veterinarian, spayed / neutered and will need to have a clean bill of health before they can be released to his ex-wife.  He has also waived his right to an appeal and has 30 days to vacate his property in Northwest Houston.

As reported in the Houston Chronicle, the defendant's attorney Brian Storts stated in court, “The credibility of his business was in being able to provide healthy animals. Unfortunately, not much different than a grocery store, you have a certain amount of spoilage, and that's a whole lot of what we're faced with here.”

As for the other remaining 1,007 animals, they will remain in the care of the Houston SPCA where they will continue to receive the proper medical attention, food, shelter, water and the loving care they were deprived of in their previous environment. The Houston SPCA is also working with our affiliate the Wildlife Rehab & Education Center and volunteer veterinarians to give these animals a second chance at life.

If you would like to help us continue our life saving work, you can donate now by clicking on the button below.The Houston SPCA is a private, donor-funded organization that receives no financial support from the government, United Way or general operating support from national animal protection groups like the ASPCA or HSUS.