McClennan County officials seized 78 dogs from a residence in Elm Mott, Texas last Friday, in what some sheriff’s officers are calling the worst animal cruelty case they have ever seen.
According to the Waco Tribune-Herald, the animals were in “deplorable” condition, crammed 5 at a time into cages meant for rabbits. The cages had not been cleaned for so long that feces was piled up 6 inches high. Officials said they could smell the house a mile away. They also found barrels filled with dog and goat carcasses.
The couple who own the property say they cannot care for the dogs themselves because of ill health, and had been paying others, who were supposed to clean the cages weekly.
No charges have yet been filed. The seizure comes as the Legislature is considering a bill to regulate breeders. It would require anyone keeping more than 11 unaltered females to undergo licensing, annual inspections, and background checks, and would impose fines of up to $5,000 per animal for violating care standards.
Opponents of the bill say it is unfair to small breeders and would put them out of business.
The McLennan County shelter needs donations to help care for the dogs. The 78 taken were only those in the most urgent need of care; others remain on the property. Help is also needed to adopt or temporarily foster other dogs from the shelter. Anyone wanting more information or to offer help can call the shelter at 254-754-1454.
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