SANTA FE, Texas – The Houston SPCA says it helped rescue several animals in Santa Fe Friday afternoon.
The animal protection organization says Galveston County Sheriff's Office called it about a property at 5606 Avenue R. in Santa Fe.
The SPCA says there were reports that over 100 animals, including 72 dogs, turtles, snakes, doves, cats and others, living in poor conditions. They say many of them did not have food or water and there were also numerous dead animals on the property.
"The dogs have ticks and their hair is matted," said Raequel Roberts with the Houston SPCA. "As far as their exact health, we're going to have to wait until we get them back to the shelter and our vets take a look at them and do a thorough exam to see exactly what we are dealing with."
The organization says it took them hours to transport and catalog the animals.
Galveston County sheriff's deputies got a warrant to seize the animals after neighbors started complaining about the noise and sound. The homeowners were nowhere to be found when police came to the property.
"We served them with a warrant this morning so they know what's going on and they are not present at this time," said Lt. Marshall Settegast with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.
Police will be conducting an investigation into the animals' poor living conditions. It is unclear if the homeowner will face any charges.