More Than 600 Animals Rescued By SPCA In July
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The seizure of 14 pit bulls from a property in Kaufman County Friday capped off what's been an alarming number of cruelty cases this month for the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals of Texas.
The SPCA cruelty investigators rescued more than 600 animals in July.
On average, investigators rescue around 200 per month; although it typically increases in the summer and winter months.
Friday's bust of a suspected dog fighting facility in Able Springs, located five miles outside Terrell, TX, was one of the largest suspected dog fighting seizures in North Texas in years, according to the SPCA.
Investigators found the pit bulls wearing heavy collars and tethered by tow chains to car axles that had been driven into the ground.
The SPCA says the living conditions were consistent with the housing of fighting dogs.
The dogs also had several medical issues. One pit bull required a blood transfusion immediately upon arriving at the rescue center.
"She was definitely in danger of dying very soon," said Maura Davies with SPCA.
A custody hearing will be held this week, and investigators say the owner will likely face criminal charges.
Earlier this month, 115 dogs were rescued after being found living in a 1,000 square-foot home in Henderson.
Days later, SPCA investigators seized 120 fighting roosters in Dallas
Also this month, in Commerce more than 300 animals were seized. Most of them being bunnies living literally on top of each other in cramped and deplorable living conditions.
Davies said the heat this month likely contributed to an increase in animals rescued, but said the temperture alone can't explain it all.
"We just don't really know why," Davies said. "But we expect this to continue through the rest of the summer."
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
