HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Two French bulldogs were found dead Monday on an apartment balcony in northwest Houston after being left with no food and water, the Houston SPCA said.
A third French bulldog was found alive on the same balcony, but investigators said it was starved and weak. Houston SPCA said it took the dog to give it veterinary care.
The animal rescue organization said the fence around the balcony in the 10000 block of Wortham Boulevard was wrapped with a makeshift covering, blocking people from seeing the dogs. The organization also said the balcony was filled with scattered wood shavings and empty dog bowls.
On the same day, Houston SPCA investigators were called to another apartment balcony in southwest Houston where they rescued a 10-month-old dog that was wearing a "tightly-fitted muzzle while panting heavily." This dog was also taken back to Houston SPCA for veterinary care.
"The Houston SPCA has managed more than two times the number of heat-related calls than last year," the animal rescue organization said. "There were 243 heat-related reports from June 1 through June 20 this year and 87 heat-related calls during that same time in 2022."
Both of these incidents have been sent to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
Animal cruelty in the state of Texas is a felony and is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Houston SPCA said if you see an animal in distress, you can call 713-869-7722 or file a report online.