After responding veterinarians examined the animals on scene, they decided on on-site euthanasia for some horses found to be in “deplorable condition.”
GONZALES COUNTY, Texas — A potentially disturbing animal cruelty case is underway in Gonzales County after the district attorney’s office there said several horses needed to be euthanized after being found in “deplorable” conditions.
According to a Facebook post from the DA’s office, the Gonzales County Precinct 4 Constables Office on Wednesday executed a warrant for seizure of animals at the Meadow Haven Horse Rescue. Officials said it stemmed from several reports and “documented evidence” of animal neglect at the facility.
After an extensive investigation, Gonzales County authorities walked onto the property and found several livestock animals in deplorable conditions, the post states. A justice of the peace signed the warrant on Wednesday.
“The rescue owner agreed in writing to surrender ownership of numerous horses,” the DA’s office said in the post. “Unfortunately, during the veterinarians’ examination of these animals, several of them were found to be in grave condition and were suffering as a result of their condition. In such cases, at least two veterinarians independently assessed the animal and unanimously concluded that on-site euthanasia was the only humane path forward.”
The DA’s office didn’t provide details about the alleged neglect, only saying they pertained to “the condition of these animals and the facility where they were housed.”
The other animals seized will be taken to other facilities to receive care. It’s unclear if authorities expect to arrest anyone as the investigation continues.