Largest rescue of horses and livestock in Texas

Photo: Humane Society of North Texas. Starving horse seized.

More than 230 suffering livestock were handed over to the Humane Society of North Texas by a district judge. The starving horses and cattle were part of the largest rescue effort due to animal cruelty ever recorded in Texas.

Earlier this month 168 horses, 67 cattle and two llamas were confiscated from the “N 2 Deep” ranch after residents complained that animals were starving. Property owner, Gregory Brinkley appropriately named his ranch because “being in too deep” appears to have been the problem. Reports claim that he became overwhelmed with caring for the large number of animals.

Unfortunately rescue volunteers arrived too late for some animals. Dozens of carcasses were strewn around the ranch and dead livestock had contaminated the only water supply on the property. Since the raid, another twelve animals have died.

Brinkley is currently in jail with bail set at $1 million for attempted assault on police and another $50,000 for animal cruelty.

Humane Society spokesperson Sandy Grambort said, “This is probably the most overwhelming situation I’ve been in during my 25-year career. Outside of a disaster like Hurricane Katrina or Ike… this is the largest horse and livestock seizure I’ve ever heard about.”

The Humane Society strongly believes they will be able to find adoptable homes for most of the horses, although the economy may slow the process a bit.

Grambort reported, “The cattle, we found good homes for them, believe it or not, and they’re not going to the slaughterhouse.”

The Humane Society of North Texas is incurring approximately $2,000 a day to care for the sick horses. They have set up a special fund for anyone able to help.

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