SANTA FE, Texas — More than 800 animals were rescued Thursday from a pet store in Santa Fe, according to the Houston SPCA.
THE LIST Pet Store and animal supply on Highway 6 has been the target of multiple animal cruelty investigations over the past several years, the SPCA said.
The SPCA's animal cruelty team and the Galveston County Sheriff's Office removed hundreds of puppies, kittens, rabbits, hedgehogs, tortoises, snakes, lizards, birds and even tarantulas from the store.
"Despite multiple opportunities to improve the welfare of their animals, the persistent neglect at this business left us no choice but to work with law enforcement to intervene and rescue those animals," Chief of Cruelty Investigations Josh Sailor said.
A hearing has been set for next week when a judge will decide on custody for the animals.
The Galveston County Sheriff's Office said the seizure was part of an ongoing investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.
The SPCA receives more than 8,000 reports of animal cruelty each year. To report it, call 713-869-7722 or click here.