Local News

40 Abused Animals Rescued in Emotional Scene in San Antonio

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Last Friday, Animal Care Services (ACS) obtained 40 pets from a San Antonio home, but only 23 of the animals were breathing. The rest had already passed away. In what’s being called the worst case that ACS has ever seen, half of the animals were found dead in cages. It was an emotional day for those involved.

Officer Joel Skidmore, ACS Animal Cruelty Investigator told KSAT, “There was an overwhelming smell of decay. At points, we were forced to crawl through the debris, and the amount that is inside is almost to the ceiling.”

The animals were malnourished and living in their own filth in a hoarding situation. “There were some animals that, I believe, if we wouldn’t have reacted as soon as we did, even another 24 hours, there were some that would pass away,” Skidmore stated.

The owner of the home will be under investigation. Neighbors told the news that the man had not been in his home for some time due to illness. The smell is what lead someone to call in the case.

ACS wants to remind everyone that calling 311 to report possible animal cruelty can be done anonymously, and it’s worth it to help save lives. Please consider a donation to Animal Care Services to help with the healthcare cost for the survivors.