Two arrested in wake of Buda animal seizure

More than a month after county officials seized 176 animals from a Buda residence, two people have been arrested and charged in connection with the case.

Melissa Caffey, 47, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with two counts of child endangerment and 10 of animal cruelty. Thomas Caffey, 49, was jailed Monday and is charged with two counts of child endangerment. Both remain behind bars under bonds totaling, respectfully, $30,000 and $10,000.

Acting on a tip, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 200 block of Towhee Drive Nov. 1, discovering 161 cats and 15 dogs in conditions that were described as brutal and inhumane. Since then, four cats have died and many other animals are seriously ill, the HCSO said.

All the seized animals were taken to the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, which announced Wednesday that it is returning to normal operating hours and limited intake of strays.

Shelter hours were reduced and intake halted because of the influx of the seized dogs and cats. Now, the city says, stray dogs are being accepted, though space for cats is still “extremely limited.”

One of the seized cats was found to have histoplasmosis, and none will be available for adoption until medical evaluation is complete on all.

At the same time, the shelter is seeking volunteers and donations, particularly canned food for cats and kittens. Volunteers, meanwhile, can undergo training at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 19 and at 10 a.m. on Dec. 29. For more information about volunteering, visit the city of San Marcos' website.

Animals that are available for adoption can be taken home for $20 during the December “Home 4 the Holidays” special.