Largest animal seizure in Erath County to date

Flash staff report
March 19, 2024

According to the Erath County Sheriff’s Office, “Approximately two weeks ago Deputies from the Erath County Sheriff’s Office were called to a property on CR 712 in Erath County in reference to a dead animal on a neighbor’s property.

Deputies contacted an individual on CR 712 and discovered that this person was in possession of numerous animals that appeared to be in poor condition and an investigation was opened. Numerous dogs, cats, and livestock were found at this time to be living with inadequate water and food supplies along with inadequate shelter.

A warrant to seize the animals was granted by Justice of the Peace Pet. 1 Judge Jeff Alexander and on Monday the 18th day of March 2024. Deputies from the Erath County Sheriff’s Office, Erath County Crime scene technician, representatives from the Stephenville Police Department Animal Control, representatives from Animal Investigation & Response, and the Erath County Humane Society. Erath County Fire and EMS staff also assisted in the seizure.

The result of the operation yielded the seizure of over 100 animals found to be in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. The seized animals consisted of numerous dogs, hamsters, rats, reptiles consisting of lizards and snakes, birds, horses, goats, pigs and a ferret.

Also, during the investigation and seizure, deputies discovered carcasses of dead domesticated and livestock animals in various stages of decomposition on the property.

All surviving animals are now in the custody of the Erath County Sheriff’s Office pending a hearing in Justice of the Peace Pet. 1where final ownership of the animals will be decided. All animals are being seen and cared for by veterinarians from Greeks Creek Veterinary Hospital here in Erath County and veterinarians from Texas A&M University.

This is an ongoing investigation and once completed will be turned over to the Erath County Attorney’s Office for prosecution. As this is an ongoing investigation the name of the alleged suspect will not be identified at this time.

In investigations such as this, two criminal offenses apply. The two offenses are listed below:
• Texas Penal Code 42.092 identifies Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals as a Class A Misdemeanor. If there are prior convictions the offense could be raised to a felony offense.
• Texas Penal Code 42.09 identifies Cruelty to Livestock Animals as Class A Misdemeanor. If there are prior convictions the offense could be raised to a felony offense.”