Texas: Citizens express concern over emaciated dogs and puppies. Animal Control won't charge owner with cruelty

TEXAS -- There has been a large social media outcry over several dogs believed to be severely neglected and malnourished.

Kiii News Reporter Brian Burns looked into those concerns and went Live from Animal Care Services with the details.

The dogs belong to a resident on the city's westside and the post about their condition has been circulating for several days, including pictures showing several dogs who appear to be emaciated.

Animal Care Services investigators visited the home earlier this week and determined that the dogs were being maintained.

Cheryl Martinez of the nonprofit organization People Assisting Animal Control said the dogs are considered property and cannot be seized without due process. She said unless the animal is considered in imminent danger of death, that animal is considered being cared for.

 

Police said there was food and water left out for the dogs and contrary to social media claims, there was no evidence of any dead animals on the property.

Martinez said she had been able to get a hold of the owner of the animals, who does want to keep them. The owner will be bringing the dogs to PAAC. She said the owner realizes he must take better care of his dogs in order to keep them.

(KIII TV3 - Sept 22, 2016)