Authorities seize malnourished animals from Connie Lashmet and James Lashmet

Suspect: Constance (Connie) Roxana Lashmet
Suspect: James Lashmet

TEXAS -- The Polk County Sheriff's announced Tuesday morning the seizure of malnourished animals.

On Monday, November 9, 2015, deputies began investigating a report of cruelty to animals on Rhett’s Run in Livingston. Deputies saw animals in a malnourished condition being neglected.

A search warrant authorized by County Court At Law Judge Tom Brown was executed on the property. The animals were cared for and left in place until a seizure warrant could be obtained.

The Sheriff's Office said the owners, James and Connie Lashmet, are operating a transportation and boarding facility known as Second Chance Quarantine. These horses are reportedly bought at auctions by a third party buyer, who then must quarantine the horses for 30 days. The Lashmets are hired by the buyer and the horses are taken to Livingston for the quarantine period.

Connie Lashmet

On Tuesday, November 10, 2015, an animal seizure warrant was obtained from Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Jamie Jones and executed. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office seized 25 horses, 5 donkeys, 2 dogs and a pig.

On Thursday, November 12, 2015, deputies learned of a pasture used by the Lashmet’s on Holland Road in Moscow, Texas, occupied by 5 horses in malnourished condition. The animals were cared for and left in place until a seizure warrant could be obtained.

A seizure warrant was obtained from Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Jamie Jones and the additional horses were seized. Haring is set for Tuesday, November 17, 2015, on the additional 5 horses.

On Friday, November 13, 2015, a seizure hearing was held and Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 David Johnson awarded the animals to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with intentions of reuniting them with the third party buyers.

The Sheriff’s Office will maintain custody of the animals through the appeals period. After the appeal period has expired, a property hearing will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015, 2:00p.m. at Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Jamie Jones Office, 602 East Church Street, Livingston, Texas.

 

Photo: RateMyHorsePro.com

 

Anyone declaring ownership of any of the animals will need to appear at this hearing in person. They will need to testify about and provide evidence of ownership in the hearing. This will be the disposition date of the animals. Any animals not claimed will be turned over to a non-profit animal rescue to be determined.

The Sheriff’s Office has been contacted by many individuals claiming ownership of the horses. We ask that you contact Cpl. Terry White by email at twhite@polkcountyso.net if you are the owner of any of these horses.

(Big Country Homepage - Nov 17, 2015)

Related:

• Dead, Emaciated Horses Discovered at Texas' Second Chance Horses (RateMyHorsePro.com)