New Details on 70+ Animals Rescued from Alleged Neglect in Ballinger

BALLINGER, TX - More than 70 dogs and puppies, horses, birds and a cat are receiving much-needed care and treatment following their rescue from a large-scale alleged neglect case in Ballinger, Texas.

On Tuesday, Humane World for Animals assisted the Runnels County Sheriff’s Office in the execution of a search and seizure warrant on a residential property. Operation Kindness Humane Society and the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City also assisted in the rescue.

Related: Over 60 Dogs Rescued from Filthy, Overcrowded Ballinger Home

Inside the residence, responders were met with an overwhelming scene: a chorus of barking from loose dogs of various ages and sizes, with feces and urine coating the floor and much of the furniture. Dogs were suffering from painful sores on irritated skin with missing hair, symptoms consistent with mange. The dogs had no apparent access to food, and some were severely underweight with protruding ribs and hip bones. Many of the dogs had scars or wounds, which veterinarians determined were most likely a result of fights over resources in severely overcrowded conditions.

Following the rescue operation, the animals were transported to safe emergency sheltering locations for in-depth veterinary exams and lifesaving treatment.

Veterinarians have confirmed a variety of ailments throughout the population:

• Many of the dogs and the cat are suffering from various stages of painful dental disease, for which several require urgent dental surgery.
• A female dog has been suffering from a severe, long-term ear infection, causing her ear canals to swell shut while hematomas developed on her outer ears from scratching.
• X-rays on an emaciated dog revealed that she had been suffering from a fractured and dislocated hip and a foreign object in her stomach, which turned out to be a penny she had ingested some time ago.
• Another dog required x-rays on her front leg, which revealed birdshot fragments embedded in her leg and an improperly healed broken bone.
• Most of the dogs had overgrown nails. One dog’s nails were so overgrown that a nail had grown back into his paw pad.
• A male dog was found to have cataracts in both of his eyes—one of which is particularly severe and will require a consultation with a veterinary ophthalmologist.
• A puppy who was found lethargic, anemic and dehydrated on the property has started to show signs of improvement after receiving IV fluids and medication.  

The animals have been started on treatment for their immediate needs, and the Humane World for Animals responders caring for them share that many are starting to perk up and show their personalities.  

“After meeting these animals in such a chaotic and overwhelming situation, it’s gratifying to see them relax and curl up on clean blankets in a safe environment—they look so peaceful,” said Laura Koivula, director of animal crimes and investigations, Humane World for Animals. “Despite how miserable some of these health issues must feel, they’re already doing much better with rest, food, and initial veterinary attention. Some of the dogs are playing with each other, and the cat is so affectionate and purring every time she sees us. There’s a sense of relief shared between the animals and our team.”

Many of the animals have a long road to recovery ahead. The rescue team is focused on addressing their immediate needs at this time, information about placement will be shared when available.

Donations can be made here.