Animal rescuers describe horrific home conditions
It was revealed in court that it was the couple’s own children who reported their parents to The Colony Animal Services. The city attorney showed 154 photos that, in his words, would shock the conscience.
THE COLONY, Texas – The owners of The Colony home where 88 animals were seized last week defended themselves before a municipal judge. Some of what came out in court is extremely graphic.
What we know:
It was revealed in court that it was the couple’s own children who reported their parents to The Colony Animal Services.
FOX 4 was not allowed to have a camera in the courtroom on Tuesday as the city attorney showed 154 photos that, in his words, would shock the conscience.
The most horrific photos shown were of 21 dead cats that were in trash bags in the freezer.
Video shows homeowners Brandy and Jeremey Bristol as they entered the courtroom. They represented themselves in court.
The Colony Animal Services rescued 24 dogs, 45 cats, 12 reptiles and seven mice from a home on the 4800 block of Alta Oaks Lane.
The dogs seized ranged from small to as large as a bull mastiff. The reptiles included snakes, turtles and tortoises.
The photos showed feces on the floor and walls of the home.
The city also showed dogs in crates that were too small for them as well as multiple cats sharing small crates.
The director of The Colony Animal Services testified that many of the seized animals had eyes sealed shut and respiratory problems due to the high amount of ammonia in the air due to urine.
Mark Cooper testified the home was not healthy for pets or people to live in.
What's next:
At this time, no charges have been filed.
The Colony Police Sgt. James Bartfield says the animals are still receiving medical evaluations, and they are also waiting on necropsy results. He says the possible charges against the owners could range from a class A misdemeanor, which is up to a third-degree felony.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Tuesday's court hearing, The Colony Police Department and previous FOX 4 reports.
