Hockley woman accused of neglecting horses

Neighbors say animals appear underfed

HOCKLEY, Texas – A veterinarian in Hockley is being accused of animal neglect by her neighbors.

The SPCA and Waller County Animal Control are investigating allegations of horse neglect at a property owned by Kathie Digilio, a registered and practicing veterinarian.

"We've been noticing that the horses were fed on a very irregular basis," said Robin Provost, who claims she's filed several complaints in recent months. "Once every couple of weeks. We were noticing that the horses were thinner and thinner. We noticed a horse with a gash that has maggots growing out of it."

Provost is just one of several neighbors concerned about the horses' welfare.

"I see them out there and their hoofs are terrible," said Angie Richardson, who lives across the street. "Their bones are sticking out. I just want help for the horses."

Neighbors estimate there are at least 40 horses on Digilio's property.  

"Not all the horses need immediate medical attention but there's probably 10 or 15 that really need some help," Provost said. "We've called in multiple complaints to SPCA and Waller County. They've been out here multiple times. But nothing gets done."

Digilio refused to speak with Local 2 about the allegations.

According to state Veterinarian Board records, Digilio has been reprimanded and fined at least twice in recent years, once for not having proper drug registration and once for unprofessional conduct.

"It makes me twice as mad because I feel like she is somebody who is supposed to be protecting these animals," Provost said. "And she's not only not protecting them but causing them harm. It's just very heartbreaking to watch. If you don't take care of your animals, they need to be taken away. We don't let child abusers keep their children."