By Staff Report

A dozen horses were removed from a property off South U.S. 67 Thursday after investigators found that they were malnourished, according to a news release from the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were acting on a complaint filed Wednesday by a concerned citizen, the release said. Deputies with the Tom Green County Criminal Investigation Division along with Special Rangers with the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association initiated an investigation into the alleged animal cruelty and met with the owner of the horses, 65-year-old Brenda Luellen, the release said.

The horses were examined by the investigators as well as a local veterinarian, who determined the horses were severely malnourished and their condition was severe enough to get a court order to seize the horses. On Thursday an order was issued by Justice of the Peace Eddie Howard to seize the animals, and investigators removed nine mares and three foals.

The horses were taken to a local veterinarian who will rehabilitate and care for the horses until the conclusion of the legal proceedings, the sheriff's office said.

The investigation will be presented to the district attorney's office for prosecution. Cruelty to livestock animals is a state jail felony if the person charged has previously been convicted under section 42.092 of the Texas State Penal Code.

Anyone wishing to help with the care of these animals while they are being rehabilitated, can donate by taking contributions to Palmer's Feed & Ranch Supply at 1318 N. Chadbourne St., which is assisting in the rehabilitation of the horses.

Luellen has been the subject of previous complaints about animal cruelty going back several years. For stories on those complaints, click here, here, here and here.