Editor’s Note: A version of this story first appeared online at BanderaBulletin.com.
The Bandera County Sheriff’s Office assisted Bandera County Precinct 2 Constable Greg Spengler in executing search and seizure warrants Friday, Sept. 4, at the We Care Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakehills, where authorities discovered more than 20 dead animals and removed more than 100 others from the property.
According to statements from Spengler and Bandera County Sheriff Josh Teitge, the warrants were executed at approximately 7 a.m.
The investigation began after the Constable’s Office received photographs showing severely underweight horses at the sanctuary, according to Spengler.
The photographs were presented as probable cause to obtain search and seizure warrants to investigate allegations that animals at the property had been abused, mistreated or neglected.
Spengler said more than 20 dead animals, including approximately 15 horses and two primates, were discovered on the property. The animals were found in varying stages of decomposition.
The approximately 15 horses and two primates found dead are being transferred to a veterinary forensics laboratory for necropsies to determine their causes of death, officials said.
Representatives from the American Humane Society, volunteer veterinarians, livestock specialists and a specialized veterinary and animal care team from the San Antonio Zoo were at the sanctuary during the operation to conduct medical assessments of the animals, evaluate their living conditions and provide emergency care.
Following the assessments, multiple animals were seized and transported to appropriate locations for further treatment and testing.
Officials said animals removed from the property included domestic, livestock and exotic species, including horses, goats, pigs, turtles, tortoises, pythons and various bird species.
More than 100 animals were transported to a secure temporary shelter, where they are receiving veterinary examinations, medical treatment and ongoing care, according to Spengler.
“Our responders on scene documented critical welfare failures and severe neglect throughout the property,” said Cesar Perea, associate vice president of rescue at the American Humane Society. “These animals were deprived of the most basic necessities — food, clean water, and standard husbandry — leaving several animals, including horses, dangerously emaciated and forced to survive in hazardous conditions.”
Perea said the organization’s priority is ensuring the animals receive immediate veterinary care and appropriate permanent homes.
The Constable’s Office said it requested the American Humane Society’s involvement because of the organization’s expertise in animal cruelty investigations and the severity of the conditions documented at the sanctuary.
In addition to assisting with the investigation and evidence processing, American Humane Society responders coordinated the transportation of more than 100 animals to a secure temporary shelter facility.
San Antonio Zoo President and CEO Tim Morrow said zoo veterinarians and technicians assisted the American Humane Society during the operation.
“San Antonio Zoo is committed to the welfare of all animals, not just the ones in our care,” Morrow said.
“Our responders on scene documented critical welfare failures and severe neglect throughout the property,” Perea said.
Spengler said the investigation remains active and that authorities will continue working with animal welfare organizations to ensure the surviving animals receive care.
“Threats to animal welfare are taken seriously by our office, and we are committed to investigating these matters fully,” Spengler said. “Working together with our partners allows us to properly address these issues in our community.”
Teitge said the Sheriff’s Office will continue to support Spengler’s investigative efforts.
“As this remains an ongoing investigation, any specific questions regarding the case should be directed to Constable Greg Spengler,” Teitge said.
We Care Wildlife Sanctuary describes itself on its website as a nonprofit sanctuary that rescues, rehabilitates and provides permanent homes for exotic and domestic animals. Its website lists the sanctuary at 7688 PR 37 in Lakehills.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
The Bulletin reached out to We Care Wildlife Sanctuary by email for comment but did not receive a response. The numbers listed on their website appear to be disconnected.
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