A Santa Fe pet store was raided on Thursday after years of animal cruelty investigations, resulting in the seizure of more than 800 animals.
A search warrant was executed by investigators at The List Pet Store, located in the 14000 block of Highway 6, on Thursday. As a result, hundreds of animals were confiscated from the Santa Fe property.
Puppies, kittens, rabbits, hedgehogs, ducks, poultry, birds, quail, peacocks, tortoises, fish, reptiles, and arachnids were all removed from the pet store.
There have been numerous investigations into animal cruelty at the enterprise over the course of several years. In 2016, the property was confiscated of over 200 animals, including hogs, goats, sheep, peacocks, and snakes.
The Houston Humane Society was ordered to retain custody of the majority of the livestock and animals that were confiscated during that assault. In 2016, the store was transferred to a new proprietor following court proceedings.
The hundreds of animals that were once again seized from cramped cages and left without immediate access to water were loaded into vehicles and transported to the Houston SPCA Campus for All Animals, a 12-acre facility in Houston.
“The persistent neglect at this business left us with no choice but to work with law enforcement to intervene and rescue those animals, despite the multiple opportunities to improve the welfare of their animals,” stated Josh Sailor, Chief of Cruelty Investigations at Houston SPCA.
The raid has not yet resulted in the filing of any charges. A hearing has been scheduled for court this week, during which a magistrate will determine the animals’ custody.
“We are still awaiting the examination results, which is a lengthy process,” stated Maj. Ray Nolen of the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office on Monday.
Each year, the Houston SPCA receives more than 8,000 reports of animal cruelty.