Deputies discovered three malnourished dogs and more than 60 chickens and roosters being kept in cages without proper food, water or shelter.
SAN ANTONIO — A vehicle fire led Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputies to a disturbing animal cruelty scene that resulted in dozens of animals being rescued and one man arrested.
Deputies responded to a car fire Jan. 1 in the 600 block of Kayroe Drive, where they found a severely malnourished dog chained to a fence. As they investigated further, deputies discovered three malnourished dogs and more than 60 chickens and roosters confined in cages without adequate food, water or shelter.
The property owner told deputies that Aundra Mathis, 55, worked at the residence and owned the chickens but not the dogs. Mathis denied living at the property or owning the dogs, but admitted to owning some of the poultry.
Investigators said they found evidence indicating Mathis had previously strangled a dog and encouraged roosters to fight, including videos and multiple past 311 reports. During a walkthrough of the property, deputies also located one dead bird and another with injuries consistent with cockfighting.
Mathis was arrested on three counts of animal cruelty. Investigators said additional charges related to cockfighting are under review.
“All animal cruelty cases are serious, but they often lead us to other crimes,” Sheriff Javier Salazar said.
BCSO said Animal Control took custody of all animals involved for safekeeping.