Uvalde County officials executed a seizure of a nonprofit animal shelter on Tuesday, after reports of overcrowding and violations of health and safety codes.
The shelter is located just north of Uvalde.
"It's terrible. The stench is bad," said Uvalde resident Rachel Kellner, describing the conditions at the shelter.
Kellner stopped by the facility of Thursday to drop off supplies to the Humane Society of Uvalde who is working to clean and feed some of the displaced animals. Kellner said there had long been talk about the shelter needing help.
"You could drive by and just see it was completely overcrowded," she said. "I believe wholeheartedly that the owner of the shelter had a good heart about it, and it just got out of hand."
After a tip from a citizen, the Uvalde County issued a seizure warrant and carried it out Tuesday night.
"I noticed what appeared to be overcrowding and possible mange," said Uvalde County Attorney John Dodson. "I'm not an expert but some dogs were missing some hair."
Dodson also noticed another disturbing discovery behind the facility.
"There was one dead dog located next to a pile of boxes," said Dodson.
Around 170 animals were counted, with some being housed in outdoor cages at the time of the seizure. Ticks and fleas were also discovered and pest control was called in on Thursday to battle the pests. A Uvalde County court has ordered temporary custody to the Humane Society of Uvalde, which has spent the past two days conducting medical evaluations and cleaning the facility.
A hearing Wednesday morning will determine if the Humane Society of Uvalde will receive permanent custody and if the animals will be moved out of the shelter. It is unclear whether the owner will face criminal charges.
"There's a possibility that criminal charges could be considered," said Dodson.
Meanwhile, the Humane Society of Uvalde is asking for volunteers and cash donation to help with the recovery of the shelter. You can contact the Humane Society of Uvalde by calling 830-591-9229.