Animals should be treated well, especially when we bring them into our homes. Many people love their Pets. They require food, clean water, and shelter, as well as love and care. Unfortunately, the reality is that some Animals do not receive all of these things, even when they are kept in a home. But how does it reach that point? Is there something wrong with owners who neglect their pets? Did they fall on hard times? Or is it a matter of being careless? Whatever the reason, the animals found in the Hewitt home deserved better.
On Wednesday morning, according to Hewitt Police Chief Jim Devlin, police and animal control officers seized 13 dogs and three cats at a Hewitt home, when they were found in uninhabitable living conditions.
A caged life
On July 31, a caller told police a "significant number of domesticated animals" were living at the home. However, Chief Devlin reported that animal control officers and code enforcement officers "were unable to make contact with the resident, upon visiting the home," Waco Tribune-Herald reported.
"As they were there, standing in the doorway, they could smell a strong odor of urine coming from inside the residence," he said. "They could hear multiple animals inside and they went around the back of the home and counted at least 12 canines in the backyard," ABC 25 noted.
In continuing their investigation, officers went back Tuesday and spoke with the 39-year-old female resident, who had several of the animals confined to cages inside the home, Devlin said.
Many of the animals were found living a caged life. Although the animals appeared to be in relatively good health, the stench of animal urine rendered the home an unfit environment for them. As a result, they were taken for health screenings to the Humane Society of Central Texas. No arrests were made.
"We do not have any other information about the animals being abused or anything like that at this point," Devlin said.
"The investigation remains ongoing and open, but we want to make sure the animals are taken care of and the residence is brought to where it is habitable."
The animals will be held for at least 10 days, awaiting a court order from a judge.
A case of good intentions gone wrong?
A lot of people have a soft spot for animals that are found in shelters or on the streets.
With good intentions, they may adopt them and bring them into their homes, and soon enough, there are too little resources to be able to care for all of them properly. Owners have a duty and responsibility to provide the best care for their pets. If they are unable to provide for and meet their needs, then it would make more sense for them to be re-homed. Most people have good intentions when rescuing animals, however, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed.
There are a number of factors that should be considered, such as the ability to provide ample space for animals, as well as the manpower and understanding to keep up with routine cleaning. While it’s noble to want to take care of animals and provide them with a home, people must also be mindful that no one wins in the situation when they get in over their heads about providing sufficient care.
Do you think it was a case of good intentions gone wrong? Let us know in the comments below!
