21 arrests made in animal cruelty sweep by sheriff's office

HOUSTON – The Harris County Sheriff's Office announced Friday that it made 21 arrests out 145 cases of animal abuse.

Investigators said since the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce's inception, there has been a 200-percent increase in animal abuse charges.

Over the course of three days, deputies said they arrested the suspects and booked them into the Harris County Jail. 

VIDEO: Results of animal cruelty taskforce revealed

Of the cases, deputies said the charges were mostly abandonment cases and largely involved dogs, though the task force serves all animals.

The Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce is a centralized reporting tool for the public to report suspected animal abuse, cruelty and neglect.

To report suspected animal abuse, call 832-927-PAWS.

PHOTOS: 21 arrests made in animal cruelty sweep by sheriff's office