VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — An East Texas man was recently arrested after 18 animals were found in "deplorable" conditions in a Van Zandt County mobile home.
Lucas Wayne Penrod was arrested and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals on Oct. 28.
On Oct. 25, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations obtained a search warrant for Penrod's mobile home in Wills Point. Inside, the investigators found the home was filled with trash and animal feces. The team found eight cats, two guinea pigs, four adult dogs and four puppies confined in unsanitary living conditions on the property.
According to the SPCA of Texas, two of the dogs were inside filthy crates with no access to water. One of the puppies was found dead and decomposing, while the other three were in a small bathroom covered in urine and feces. The guinea pigs were in a cage that also didn't have access to food or water.
"Most of the animals were showing clear signs of long-term neglect and were in dire need of urgent medical intervention," the news release said.
The animals were seized by the SPCA of Texas and taken to the organization's Dallas location for forensic evaluation and veterinary care. After Penrod contacted an SPCA of Texas investigator regarding the animals, the investigator determined Penrod had unlawfully allegedly abandoned the animals and failed to give them proper care.
"The squalid conditions these beautiful animals were living in were abhorrent--locked in spaces without food or water, in their own excrement," said SPCA of Texas ACI Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns. "This is some of the worst mistreatment of domestic animals I've seen in my extensive career in animal cruelty investigations. In no small part, these pets owe their lives to the Wills Point Police Department. If it wasn’t for their quick thinking to involve us right away, I don't think the animals would have made it."
Penrod was arrested by the Tyler Police Department and booked into the Smith County Jail. On Friday, he gave up custody of 18 animals to the SPCA of Texas.
"This case perfectly illustrates the team effort that investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases in Texas is," Burns added. "We are extremely thankful to the Tyler Police Department for their efficient assistance in apprehending Penrod so that he can be brought to justice in the timeliest manner possible. And we are especially grateful to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and court system with whom we continue to partner to get justice for abused animals in their jurisdiction."
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