County officials say the owner could no longer care for them because of their health.
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — More than a dozen dogs were rescued in far south Bexar County after their owner said they could no longer care for them due to health issues.
The dogs were voluntarily surrendered by the owner on Monday at a property near the 2500 block of Robert Jared Road in County Precinct 1.
Officials with county animal control, along with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office have been meeting regularly with the owner over the past few months to monitor the dogs’ care and offer support.
The owner agreed to voluntarily surrender the animals because of her poor health and her inability to care for them properly.
She had already surrendered two of the dogs on March 13, and just surrendered 12 more to the county.
“We often see situations like reported as animal control issue. When we use a public health lens to assess mental or physical challenges of pet owners, we begin to see how these factors contribute to the accumulation of a large number of animals and the inability to provide appropriate care,” said Dr. Andrea Guerrero, Director of County Preventative Public Health. “Bexar County Public Health, through its Behavioral Health and Animal Care Divisions, prioritize the health of the owner and the health of the dogs. We’re here to help both.”
All of the dogs will be quarantined and medically evaluated.
Two animal control officers suffered minor injuries, including superficial scratches, during the removal of the animals from the property and were treated at the scene by first responders.
To report stray dogs to Bexar County Animal Control in unincorporated Bexar County call (210) 335-9000.