Published: March 25, 2009 04:20 pm      

Animal hoarder gives up 40 dogs

Galen Scott

gscott@weatherforddemocrat.com



A 500-pound pot-bellied pig and 40 dogs were removed from a Reno residence Tuesday.



Animal control officers with the Parker County Sheriff’s Office traveled to the property, in the 900 block of West Whitedove Lane, after a tip led investigators to believe animals were being confined in unfit living conditions.



Approximately half of the dogs relinquished were allowed to roam inside a home on the property, according to Lt. Ryan Speegle, head of Parker County’s animal control division.



“The ammonia smell from the urine was ... it was burning our lungs and noses,” Speegle said.



Although authorities were prepared to execute a seizure warrant, the property’s inhabitants, a man and woman with no children present, voluntarily relinquished ownership. The Sheriff’s Office declined to identify the couple.



Officers used two trailers, four trucks and dozens of kennels to gather and transport the dogs and pig to the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter. Apparently, the animals’ former owners donated $200 to the shelter.



The couple is expected to deliver two dogs, which eluded capture Tuesday, along with two cats, two turtles and a pigeon to the shelter over the next week, according to a verbal agreement described by Speegle.



Speegle concluded the animals were accumulated over more than 10 years and described the situation “a classic case of animal hoarding.” He said the Sheriff’s Office will continue monitoring the situation.



“We’re going to keep an eye on them because they are hoarders,” he said. “We think there is a possibility they might start back up again.”



Despite reports the dogs were living in feces and debris, many were described as appearing healthy. A veterinarian technician is expected to determine which animals are adoptable.



The Sheriff’s Office said the case will be referred to Parker County’s environmental enforcement division for further review.