Shelter staff working to manage influx, seeking help from public

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter had an unexpected large intake late last week after county animal control officers seized almost 180 animals from a residence in Buda. 

According to a press release from the Hays County Sheriff’s Department, animal control officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Towhee Drive in Buda on Nov. 1 to follow up on a service call regarding inhumane conditions for animals. The officers made contact with the residents and discovered 161 cats and 15 dogs in “various health states,” according to the press release. The occupants said that they are a nonprofit organization that takes care of the animals. The cats and dogs were taken to the shelter in San Marcos. 

At the San Marcos shelter, staff worked around the clock to evaluate the animals brought in from Buda. The shelter posted on Facebook Monday morning that because of the continued care and maintenance of the 176 animals, the receiving/reclaim office will be open from 3-6 p.m. for reclaims only, though the shelter will still respond to emergencies. According to a press release from the city, the shelter adoption center was closed Monday while staff continued caring for the seized animals. Shelter staff and team members, along with Animal Investigation and Response – a nonprofit animal protection organization that assists law enforcement with animal abuse cases – have set up a temporary emergency shelter for the animals. Numerous seized animals remain at the San Marcos shelter pending medical evaluations.

To help with the large intake, the shelter is asking the community for donations. The shelter is accepting monetary donations at https://bit.ly/2qv8BOP. Items the shelter needs — kitten food, senior dog food, senior wet cat food, water bottles and disposable litter pans — can be dropped off at the shelter in a large blue bin stationed outside the receiving office. Employees and volunteers will check the bin regularly. 

The investigation into the animal welfare case is ongoing. The sheriff’s department said no arrests have been made. No photos or video will be allowed inside the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter or the emergency shelter in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation.