Dozens of horses, dogs rescued from property in Tyler County

Investigators seized nearly 30 horses, 20 dogs and 2 birds from a home east of Hillister in Tyler County.

They began at about 10 this morning and it took several hours to complete the work.

A neighbor passing by the property yesterday called to report animals in poor health, and that triggered the rescue operation.

These horses are scared enough to cause a commotion, yet gentle enough to eat from the palm of your hand.

"The temperament of the horses, seem very sweet and friendly, like they've been around people. But unfortunately, many are emaciated," says Meera Nandlal with the Houston SPCA.

Meera Nandlal and investigators with the Houston SPCA worked with deputies from the Tyler County Sheriff's Office to corral nearly 30 horses into 3 trailers.

Many of the horses are obviously malnourished, ribs and hip bones exposed, especially the ponies.

"Which is just sad they had to start life like this," says Nandlal.

These puppies, eyes barely open, were taken from inside the home. Along with more than a dozen other dogs and 2 birds.

Sheriff David Hennigan says his office received a call from a neighbor Wednesday that led to the animal rescue.

"We didn't have the means and called them up and they said, no problem, be down there tomorrow," says Sheriff Hennigan.

The sheriff says for weeks his office tried to work with the home owner.

"She asked for help with an auction, told her we'd help, we called her repeatedly and she wouldn't return our calls," says Sheriff Hennigan.

Neighbors say the woman has been in the hospital, but investigators say there's no reason to leave these animals without proper care.

"Think of the day you skipped breakfast and didn't get to eat all day. They probably haven't had proper food for a really long time. So a little bit they're happy to have," says Nandlal.

"Breaks my heart anytime I see something like this. I love animals just as much as the next person. Something we just can't tolerate in this county," says Sheriff Hennigan.

Abuse that won't be tolerated to those who can't speak out for themselves.

A hearing on the fate of the animals has been set for July 20th at the Tyler County Justice Center.

The animals will be held and treated in Houston.

HILLISTER - KFDM News was present when law enforcement officers and an animal welfare organization rescued dozens of horses and dogs from a home and property where they say evidence indicates some of the animals were malnourished.

The animals were seized Thursday from property on CR 4500, off FM 1013 near Hillister in Tyler County. About 30 horses, 16 dogs, six puppies and two birds were seized, according to Tyler County Sheriff David Hennigan.

Click here to see a slideshow of the seized animals the KFDM staff documented on the Tyler Co. property Thursday. 

The SPCA from Houston loaded the horses onto trailers. The dogs were placed in cages and carried onto vans.

The two birds were also placed in small kennels.

The animals were taken to the SPCA shelter in Houston.

A hearing on the animal seizure is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 20 at the Tyler County Justice Center.

The home is the same residence where on June 1 a man was shot and killed by a deputy responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Officers say the man pointed a weapon at the deputy in a threatening manner.

Sheriff Hennigan told KFDM the man's wife called officers several weeks ago and asked if they could help her find a home for the animals because she knew she couldn't care for them.

He said the woman didn't follow up and Wednesday someone driving by called the Sheriff's Office to report seeing animals that appeared to be malnourished.

6 News reporter Jennifer Heathcock was at the scene during the animal rescue operation.

Watch Live at 5 and KFDM News at 6 & 10 for her story.