SPCA of Texas Seizes Five Sheep from Trunk of Vehicle in Felony Animal Cruelty Case

Madeline Yeaman Arnold
214-930-1438 (c)
myeaman@spca.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPCA OF TEXAS SEIZES FIVE SHEEP FROM TRUNK OF VEHICLE IN FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

(DALLAS, TX; HUNT COUNTY, TX); July 19, 2021 – On Saturday, July 17, 2021, the SPCA of Texas, the Caddo Mills Police Department and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office seized five sheep, including four live sheep and one deceased sheep, that were all found hog-tied in the trunk of a Honda Civic during a routine traffic stop at the 3200 block of FM 36 in Caddo Mills. The sheep were confined to and being transported in a cruel manner in the small trunk space without circulating airflow, which was believed to have exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Authorities believe that the extremely high temperature caused them to overheat and lead to the death of one sheep.

To view photos of the sheep at the scene, please visit the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n9oxub59th31sns/AABQIGirgvXE3YsAAeRQL2fea?dl=0.

The owner of the sheep was arrested at the scene, charged with Cruelty to Livestock Animals for “torture to livestock animals”, a state jail felony, and booked into the Hunt County Detention Center. The sheep were transported to an offsite holding facility for veterinary care until they can be transported to the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Equine/Livestock Center for ongoing care.

The live sheep were immediately treated for heat exhaustion by investigators and animal care staff. The live sheep appear to otherwise be in good condition and were reportedly recently purchased by the individual prior to the alleged offense. The SPCA of Texas’ Chief Animal Cruelty Investigator visited the offender in jail on Sunday, July 18, to perform an interview and at that time the owner agreed to surrender custody of the sheep to the SPCA of Texas. The live sheep will be evaluated for adoption or placement on a case-by-case basis.

According to Texas Penal Code Section 42.09, it is a state jail felony if an individual intentionally and knowingly: tortures a livestock animal; administers poison to a livestock animal, other than cattle, horses, sheep, swine, or goats, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner’s effective consent; causes one livestock animal to fight with another livestock animal or with an animal as defined by Section 42.092; uses a live livestock animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing on a racetrack, or trips a horse. In the State of Texas, it is a Class A misdemeanor if an individual intentionally and knowingly: fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, or care for a livestock animal in the person’s custody; abandons unreasonably a livestock animal in the person’s custody; transports or confines a livestock animal in a cruel and unusual manner; or seriously overworks a livestock animal.

To support the SPCA of Texas’ efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome thousands of neglected and abused animals in North Texas, please visit www.spca.org/give. To report suspected animal cruelty, please visit www.spca.org/abuse.