Humane Society of North Texas rescues over 200 animals from Hill County property

Over 200 hundred animals, ranging from rabbits, turkeys and geese, were rescued and taken to the Humane Society of North Texas’ locations in Joshua and Fort Worth.

The Humane Society said its team, in partnership with Hill County law officials, removed 221 living animals from a property on Oct. 8. The organization said it took 84 rabbits, 50 chickens, 22 gerbils, 21 ducks, 20 guinea hens, nine geese, eight guinea pigs, four turkeys, two cats and a hamster to its facilities.

Eleven rabbits were found dead “and piles of decomposing deceased rabbits were also found on the homestead,” a news release said.

“It’s disturbing to say the least, when the Humane Society of North Texas is called out by law officials to remove innocent pets from such unworthy living conditions,” said Cassie Davidson, a spokesperson s for the Humane Society of North Texas. “We know these pets will receive the best care now that they are safe from their inhumane environment.”

At the Hill County scene, feces, garbage and “other forms of debris” covered the residence and the outside yard, they said.

“Outside, small pools of water were found with dark green, grossly discolored stagnant water contaminated with fecal matter,” the release said. “Inside a barn on the property, multiple metal cages without flooring were hanging from the ceiling by rope, housing rabbits — both alive and deceased. The smell was debilitating and nauseating, permeating the air before entering the areas where pets were enclosed.”

The Humane Society said that the poultry they rescued have been evaluated by a vet and will be available for adoption once their health improves. The smaller animals, including the cats and hamster, are being treated in Fort Worth.

“Rabbits will be altered; all pets will be evaluated and socialized by staff and volunteers,” the release said. They will also be available for adoption.