Dozens of dogs, cats, bunnies seized from Heights home

TEXAS -- Dozens of animals were seized from a home in the Heights Tuesday afternoon.

About 40 cats, dogs, rabbits and even a chicken were picked up by the Houston Humane Society's Animal Cruelty Investigation Team.

"The animals are believed to be suffering from various medical conditions and living in filthy, appalling conditions," the Humane Society said in a news release.

Cheryl Roe, who has lived in the home on Dorothy for 20 years, said the animals were her family.
"It was joyful. It wasn't just manageable," she said. "I enjoy it, I love them."

 

Roe initially refused to let anyone have access to the animals until the Humane Society got a warrant.

They say Roe has faced medical problems recently and is unable to care for the animals.

She suspects EMTs reported her after a recent visit. But neighbors have also expressed concern about Roe's health.

"Who has the right to tell me what's for my best good?" Roe asked. "People smoke. It's not for their good. People drink."

Roe could face a Class A misdemeanor which comes with a fine of up to $4,000 and a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail.

(KHOU - Feb 10, 2015)