TEXAS -- The first case was near Cleveland, in Liberty County, where 21 animals were found starving and dying.
Neighbors say the owner moved out 2 weeks ago, abandoning 17 dogs, 2 cats and 2 hedgehogs.
Deputies arrived to find a horrific scene of 4 dogs already dead and one tied to a tree that had been attacked and partially eaten by other dogs.
 |
| Dead dogs found lying in the woods |
A good coincidence, the property owner drove up while investigators were still there and was arrested on animal cruelty charges.
The next day another case of a property owner moving and abandoning animals in Porter.
Four horses were found extremely malnourished.
Deputies say the horses were so hungry they had eaten tree bark and fence boards. One horse was so weak it could no longer stand and had to be put down.
 |
| This poor horse is not dead |
 |
| A deputy tries to comfort the dying horse |
The owner now has to prove to a judge why he deserves to keep the animals.
Surviving animals from both cases are now in Houston SPCA custody.
(KIAH - Nov 16, 2011)
