VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — The SPCA of Texas and the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office seized eight cows, including seven live cows and one deceased cow, from a property in Van Zandt County Friday morning.
According to SPCA, it received a complaint of suspected animal cruelty at the property located at Van Zandt County Road 3219, just outside Myrtle Springs.
An SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigator visited the property on Thursday and upon witnessing the conditions of the animals and the deceased cow, the investigator sought and obtained a seizure warrant.
The cows were found on a ten-acre pasture, with no access to food or water. The only water source was a pond located on the property that had completely frozen due to the sub-freezing temperatures, therefore it was inaccessible to the cattle.
Investigators were unable to identify a source of food on the property to sustain the cows in good health.
SPCA says the live cows, including four adults and three calves, and the deceased cow were transported to a veterinary facility, where the live cows were examined by medical staff.
The deceased cow was determined to have died from starvation, and trash bags were found in its stomach contents.
Officials say criminal charges are expected to be filed against the owner.
