More than 100 animals were seized from a Bandera County wildlife sanctuary after authorities found evidence of severe neglect and abuse, including more than 20 dead animals on the property, according to the Precinct 2 constable’s office.
In a news release, the Bandera County Constable’s Office said it executed search and seizure warrants on Friday for the animals at We Care Wildlife Sanctuary.
The office said images of “severely underweight horses as the probable cause needed to investigate animals that were allegedly abused, mistreated or neglected on the property,” the release states.
Teams from the American Humane Society and San Antonio Zoo were on site during the warrant execution to provide urgent medical assessments and care.
The rescued animals include a diverse range of domestic, livestock and exotic species, including horses, goats, pigs, turtles, tortoises, pythons and various bird species, according to the release. The animals have since been taken to a temporary sheltering facility.
During the on-site investigation, the Bandera County Precinct 2 Office said more than 20 deceased animals were found in varying states of decomposition, including approximately 15 horses and two primates.
The deceased primates are being taken to a veterinary forensics laboratory for necropsies to determine their cause of death, according to the office.
“These animals were deprived of the most basic necessities—food, clean water, and standard husbandry—leaving several animals, including horses, dangerously emaciated and forced to survive in hazardous conditions,” said Cesar Perea, associate vice president of rescue at American Humane Society.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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