Fate of 40 animals seized still uncertain

Fate of 40 animals seized still uncertain

By AMANDA KIMBLE
Staff Writer
amanda.kimble@empiretribune.com
Published: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 11:06 AM CDT

AMANDA KIMBLE photo For the next ten days, 18 dogs, 11 cats and 11 puppies seized from the home of Iris Jean Edwards will continue to live at the Erath County Humane Society. During the waiting period, Edwards has the right to appeal the Judge Shawnee Bass’ decision.

A hearing was held Monday to try and determine the fate of 18 Dogs, 11 cats and 11 puppies seized from the home of Stephenville woman on April 19.

The 40 animals were removed from the Paddock Street home of Iris Jean Edwards, 59, following an animal control call reporting a dead dog in the street near Edwards’ home. When Animal Control Officer Frank Morecock responded to the call, eight more dogs which he was told by neighbors belonged to Edwards, were roaming free in the residential neighborhood.

Morecock approached the home and asked that Edwards turn over five of the eight dogs since three is the allowable limit according to a city ordinance. Edwards refused. Morecock then noticed that there were a large number of animals in the home, living in filth and suffering from varying stages of neglect. Morecock obtained a seizure order from Judge Shawnee Bass and was attacked by Edwards when he returned with the order and attempted to take control of the animals.
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Following her refusal to cooperate with authorities and her attack on the animal control officer, Edwards was arrested and booked into the Erath County Jail for assault of a public servant, a third degree felony, and interfering with public duties, a class B misdemeanor. She was released the following day after posting bond.

Although Edwards still faces charges stemming from her arrest, the purpose of Monday’s hearing was to determine if Edwards could have any of the 40 animals back. City ordinance would have allowed her to have up to three dogs and three cats at her residence if she was found capable of caring for the animals.

Edwards did not appear in court to plead her case. Now, the animals’ fate is in the hands of the Erath County Humane Society.

“Edwards did not come to court to dispute the seizure,” Bass said. “So, I turned the animals over to the shelter to do with as they see fit.”

Shelter manager Judy Hallmark explained that it will be more than a week before any of the animals gets a chance to be adopted.

“She (Edwards) still has 10 days to appeal the judge’s ruling,” Hallmark explained. “We won’t do anything with the animals before that 10 days has passed. Once the animals are truly ours, we will have them evaluated by a veterinarian and go from there and will adopt out those that are adoptable.”

Olivia and her Baby

Now that we know that Olivia is having a false pregnancy and that a baby would help her, we have tried to hook her up with just about every animal baby we could find...no go. But she made up her mind:

I also officially adopted Olivia yesterday!!!

Rushed Olivia to the Vet this morning...

I had quite a scare this morning! I woke up and found Olivia trembling all over, not wanting to get up at all.

Since she was spayed 5 days ago, she has been displaying strange behavior such as running around in circles and whining, hoarding toys (she was never interested in toys before), looking for something, but I couldn't figure out what. She wouldn't eat, only with lots of enticement and real meat mixed into the dry food to encourage her through the smell.

I was told to look for behavioral changes, because of the rabid skunk incident, to which she was not exposed, but I am a little bit paranoid about that situation and decided it's better safe than sorry, so I rushed Olivia to the vet this morning.

Turned out our good ole gal here is having a false pregnancy! She's got milk and shows all the signs of becoming a mother, but I didn't put 2 and 2 together, since she had just been spayed!

Bless her heart, she sure is going through a lot. I will try to introduce the new kittens I got in yesterday to her, see if she adopts them.


At least now I'm not worried anymore that something is physically wrong with her, it's "just" the hormones going bonkers on her. Welcome to the club is all I can say lol. I know how it feels!!!

Well, we'll get through this too. I'll plan to go to the shelter in a little bit and finalize the adoption.

Stephenville, TX: Adopt Mister Mellow, Pekinese, through Petfinder.com

ADOPTED!

Stephenville, TX: Adopt Mister Mellow, Pekinese

Mister Mellow has spent a full month and the shelter already. However, since this is not a no-kill shelter and space is scarce, his time is limited. Mister Mellow deserves his name with every ounce of his being. He is not fearful, just very mellow. His sweet personality makes him suitable for a home with other pets and/or children, but for an older person as well. He is not neutered and there is no other history on the dog. He is approximately 4 years old, maybe a little bit older. He does not bark much, but is interested in his surroundings and wants to play a modest part in somebody's life and heart. Do you have a heart for Mister Mellow? For more information and photos click HERE. Erath County Humane Society Adoption Fees apply!

Adopt Tucker! 7 year old black Labrador

ADOPTED!

Petfinder.com for Tucker in Stephenville, Texas

Enlarge photo

Click on thumbnail to enlarge

Tucker

• Animal: Dog
• Breed: Labrador Retriever
• Sex: Male
• Age: Senior
• Size: Large

From: Erath County Humane Society

More About Tucker

Tucker was brought to the shelter, because he had gotten out during a storm and opened the neighbor's unlocked car to seek shelter. The neighbor's car suffered extensive damage, so the owner decided to give up Tucker.

He was originally trained to be a service dog, but the door-opening trick backfired in this particular instance. Tucker is great with kids, cats & other dogs. He knows more than the basic commands, and rides effortlessly in a truck without getting out. Tucker loves to play ball, have fun in the water, and go hunting with an experienced leader.

He's also a great watchdog. As already mentioned, Tucker is a bit scared of storms and prefers to be indoors during severe weather. He will open doors by himself to find shelter. Tucker's time at the shelter is not unlimited and euthanasia will be considered in the near future, however we hope to place him into foster care before that happens.

This pet is up to date with routine shots.
This pet is already house trained.
This pet has been altered.

My Contact Info

Erath County Humane Society

Stephenville, TX

Phone: 254-968-4626

Email adoption organization

Olivia is spayed!

Olivia has made it through the surgery fine, is back home and resting. The cats are fighting who can be closest to her and she sleeps through it all. Tomorrow she gets her first heartworm prevention medication and then she's covered from top to bottom!! Ready to start a healthy and happy life...with me of course :-). I'll finalize the adoption next week!

40 animals seized in Stephenville, Texas

40 animals seized

Woman assaults animal control officer

By AMANDA KIMBLE
Published: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 1:12 PM CDT
Source: http://www.empiretribune.com/articles/2008/04/22/news/doc480e1dd6b12e1240930308.txt






Eighteen dogs, 11 puppies and 11 cats were seized from a home in the 800 block of Paddock Street Saturday. The owner of the animals was arrested and booked into the Erath County Jail after she refused to cooperate with law enforcement officials and allegedly attacked a city code enforcement officer.

Iris Jean Edwards, 59, was arrested for assault of a public servant, a third degree felony punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000 and two to 10 years in jail. She was also charged with interfering with public duties, a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

Edwards was released from custody Sunday after posting a $5,000 bond for the assault charge and $1,000 for interfering with duties.

According to Police Chief Roy Halsell, Edwards was arrested after authorities received a call reporting that a dead dog was in the street in a neighborhood near her home. When animal control officer Frank Morecock responded, eight dogs were seen roaming in the immediate area. When asked about the dogs’ owner, neighbors pointed in the direction of Edwards’ home.

Halsell said when Morecock went to Edwards’ residence, she began throwing the animals inside of the house. Morecock explained that city ordinance states that only three dogs are allowed within city limits and she would have to relinquish five of the dogs to be in compliance. Edwards refused and the code officer requested assistance from the Stephenville Police Department.

Due to Edwards’ continued refusal to cooperate, a seizure order was obtained from Judge Shawnee Bass, which allowed officers to enter the property and take control of the animals. When presented with the order, Edwards punched Morecock in the chest, arm and face.

Upon entering the home, officers were faced with conditions unfit for animal or human inhabitance.

“There was a horribly strong odor in the home. Feces were everywhere. The dogs were thin and drawn, obviously underfed. They were covered in fleas and mange and some were even running a fever,” Halsell said. “Closed in one room of the home were 18 barking dogs, living in their own excrement. Officers found a pit bull locked in a pantry or small closet. Officers also found 11 puppies and 11 cats which were underfed and covered in mange.”

Halsell also said that once inside the home, Morecock was attacked by a fearful feline.

Perhaps more shocking was the dead dog found inside the home and the skulls of four dead animals littering the yard outside the residence.

All 40 animals were taken from the home and moved to the Erath County Humane Society where they remained Monday morning. Shelter manager Judy Hallmark said she was present when the animals were removed from the home and conditions at the residence were unimaginable.

“The bad thing is, in cases like this, the people involved think they are somehow helping the animals,” Hallmark said. “They tell themselves if they bring them to the shelter, they will be killed. The truth is, the conditions they were living in are far more cruel.”

Hallmark said overcrowding has become a bigger issue with the additional 40 animals.

“We can feed the animals, that is not a problem,” Hallmark said. “The problem is we have nowhere to put them.”

While the fate of their owner is uncertain, the fate of the animals is now in the hands of the shelter. Hallmark said that due to their condition, many would have to be euthanized.

“There are a few of them that we will be able to save, Hallmark said. “Sadly, the rest will never have a chance to be adopted.”

The judge said that a hearing would decide if Edwards could be reunited with some of the animals.

“If it is determined that she can care for the animals, she could be able to get back the number of animals that the ordinance allows,” Bass said.



______________________________________________________

If you want to help and donate and/or adopt an animal in and around Erath County, the following links are a way to start!

Erath County Humane Society:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX1178.html

http://search.petfinder.com/shelterS...elterid=TX1178

http://www.erath.net/humane/

40 animals seized in Stephenville, Texas

40 animals seized

Woman assaults animal control officer

By AMANDA KIMBLE
Published: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 1:12 PM CDT
Source: http://www.empiretribune.com/articles/2008/04/22/news/doc480e1dd6b12e1240930308.txt






Eighteen dogs, 11 puppies and 11 cats were seized from a home in the 800 block of Paddock Street Saturday. The owner of the animals was arrested and booked into the Erath County Jail after she refused to cooperate with law enforcement officials and allegedly attacked a city code enforcement officer.

Iris Jean Edwards, 59, was arrested for assault of a public servant, a third degree felony punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000 and two to 10 years in jail. She was also charged with interfering with public duties, a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

Edwards was released from custody Sunday after posting a $5,000 bond for the assault charge and $1,000 for interfering with duties.

According to Police Chief Roy Halsell, Edwards was arrested after authorities received a call reporting that a dead dog was in the street in a neighborhood near her home. When animal control officer Frank Morecock responded, eight dogs were seen roaming in the immediate area. When asked about the dogs’ owner, neighbors pointed in the direction of Edwards’ home.

Halsell said when Morecock went to Edwards’ residence, she began throwing the animals inside of the house. Morecock explained that city ordinance states that only three dogs are allowed within city limits and she would have to relinquish five of the dogs to be in compliance. Edwards refused and the code officer requested assistance from the Stephenville Police Department.

Due to Edwards’ continued refusal to cooperate, a seizure order was obtained from Judge Shawnee Bass, which allowed officers to enter the property and take control of the animals. When presented with the order, Edwards punched Morecock in the chest, arm and face.

Upon entering the home, officers were faced with conditions unfit for animal or human inhabitance.

“There was a horribly strong odor in the home. Feces were everywhere. The dogs were thin and drawn, obviously underfed. They were covered in fleas and mange and some were even running a fever,” Halsell said. “Closed in one room of the home were 18 barking dogs, living in their own excrement. Officers found a pit bull locked in a pantry or small closet. Officers also found 11 puppies and 11 cats which were underfed and covered in mange.”

Halsell also said that once inside the home, Morecock was attacked by a fearful feline.

Perhaps more shocking was the dead dog found inside the home and the skulls of four dead animals littering the yard outside the residence.

All 40 animals were taken from the home and moved to the Erath County Humane Society where they remained Monday morning. Shelter manager Judy Hallmark said she was present when the animals were removed from the home and conditions at the residence were unimaginable.

“The bad thing is, in cases like this, the people involved think they are somehow helping the animals,” Hallmark said. “They tell themselves if they bring them to the shelter, they will be killed. The truth is, the conditions they were living in are far more cruel.”

Hallmark said overcrowding has become a bigger issue with the additional 40 animals.

“We can feed the animals, that is not a problem,” Hallmark said. “The problem is we have nowhere to put them.”

While the fate of their owner is uncertain, the fate of the animals is now in the hands of the shelter. Hallmark said that due to their condition, many would have to be euthanized.

“There are a few of them that we will be able to save, Hallmark said. “Sadly, the rest will never have a chance to be adopted.”

The judge said that a hearing would decide if Edwards could be reunited with some of the animals.

“If it is determined that she can care for the animals, she could be able to get back the number of animals that the ordinance allows,” Bass said.



______________________________________________________

If you want to help and donate and/or adopt an animal in and around Erath County, the following links are a way to start!

Erath County Humane Society:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX1178.html

http://search.petfinder.com/shelterS...elterid=TX1178

http://www.erath.net/humane/