Burleson County advocates rally to help 70 dogs, dozens of cats found in 'deplorable' conditions

BURLESON COUNTY, Texas (KBTX) – Dozens of advocates and community members in Burleson County are sounding the alarm after discovering what they described as an animal hoarding situation.

More than 70 dogs and dozens of cats at a property near Caldwell are under investigation by the Burleson County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). As authorities work to ensure proper conditions for the animals, animal advocates tell KBTX they want to help.

The situation may have started with good intentions, but many say something needs to change.

For the past few years, Tracy Kellar of Haven Animal Rescue of Texas (HART) said she heard about a resident who was rescuing dogs from a local veterinarian who were scheduled to be euthanized. Kellar wanted to partner with those leading the effort until she noticed what she thought were red flags.

“She offered to take some of our animals, so I told her I would meet her there and she flat out refused. She said there was no way I was coming to her house. That was not part of the deal,” Kellar said.

This negative reaction made Kellar realize that something not so terrible was happening.

“Unfortunately, when finally, finally, a deputy went out there and looked around, he found the situation was as serious as I thought it was,” Kellar said.

The BCSO arrived at the house in July.

“The conditions were probably deplorable,” BCSO Deputy Chief Bill Rios told KBTX. “They were in smaller cages at the time. I think the young lady was overwhelmed with the care she was giving these animals.”

Veterinarian Dr. Jack McKemie of Brazos Valley Mobile Veterinary Services (BVMVS) said he was contacted by the department and asked to view footage of the scene. He recalls seeing dozens of cats and dogs crammed into small kennels, stacked on top of each other, living in their own feces outside in the Texas heat, with no access to fresh water and no food.

“They looked pretty neglected, neglected in that area. It was a very, very sad thing to see,” Dr. McKemie said.

After discussing the issue with experts and county leaders, Deputy Chief Rios said the sheriff's office would require major improvements instead of immediately seeking charges.

KBTX visited the property last Friday and met with two people who care for the dogs. The conditions around the property appeared to include the improvements mentioned by BCSO. The residents declined an on-camera interview and would not share their identities, but they did share a statement.

“At this point I would like to clarify that all of the animals in my care have always received and continue to receive adequate food and water. They have always received and continue to receive proper veterinary care. Improvements have been made to the housing and continue to be made as needed.”

Deputy Chief Rios shared photos with KBTX from a surprise visit to the property last Thursday. He said the conditions they found this time compared to July were drastically different.

“They've made huge improvements… It's a thousand times better,” Deputy Chief Rios shared.

Although improvements have been made, the BCSO said the surprise visits won't stop anytime soon.

“This is an ongoing investigation,” said Deputy Chief Rios. “She understands that we can step in at any time without warning and if there are any issues, if there are any problems and charges that can be filed, we will file a complaint with the District Attorney’s (DA) office to help us. But right now, I think the family’s heart is in the right place. I think they’re trying to help these animals that no one else wants.”

Julie Kauvar of BVMVS and Kellar both said they are willing to help in any way they can for the animals. That also means some support from the community as HART has to adapt to the concept of caring for up to 73 dogs, if needed.

“If we have local residents step up to take in our healthy, adoptable dogs, we can take those dogs, get them properly evaluated and treated, and get them adopted if they can,” Kellar encouraged.

Along the same lines, Kauvar has absolute confidence in his neighbors: “This has been going on for far too long… The community is ready to go get them with trailers and cages.”

KBTX reached out to the Burleson County District Attorney's Office about the decision not to file charges after the July visit. District Attorney Susan Deski told us, “I have no comment on any ongoing or pending investigations.”

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