According to Maura Davies, Senior Director of Communications for the SPCA of Texas in Dallas, a spate of recent bad weather has only complicated the task of caring for and dispersing the thousands of animals that the SPCA has been overseeing since confiscation last month. Housed in the future home of the SPCA at 2400 Lone Star Drive, these animals have required a variety of temperatures and facilities to accommodate their special needs. With many iguanas and turtles discovered in burlap bags as they had been transported, some were left without food or water, and thousands died. An undercover investigation by a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) worker brought the horrifying conditions to light, resulting in the largest confiscation of animals to date. According to Ms. Davies, many of these animals were caught wild, making this even more senseless and disturbing.
An exotic animal dealer in Arlington Texas, Global Exotics, had over 26,000 animals confiscated due to substandard care earlier in December of last year. Many of the animals were kept in crates with no food or water; some had been cannibalizing one another to survive; others were reportedly lying in their own waste. The many animals have been turned over to the Texas SPCA, who has been accumulating daily costs in caring for such an unprecedented number of animals. Since the animals are unable to be returned to their native habitat, they will be sent to various sanctuaries, zoos, and species-specific animal rescues. Most are not available for domestic adoption due to their exotic nature. One exception is the large number of hedgehogs.
Volunteer veterinarians from as far away as Massachusetts have come to offer assistance to the SPCA's regular veterinarian. Many of the animals had parasites and illness due to neglect and overcrowding. The animals were traumatized due to the suffering they experienced but are now reportedly recovering. The animals include turtles, lizards, geckos, iguanas, snakes, frogs, ferrets, sloths, centipedes, toads, squirrels, lemurs, chinchillas, wallabys, prairie dogs, and over 700 hedgehogs.
Over 600 animals were found dead in the facility, with approximately 3,500 being thrown out dead or near death weekly. Many animals died or required euthanasia upon discovery due to the conditions under which they had been confined. It is estimated that 80% of the confiscated animals have survived and will continue to thrive due to the care of many volunteers, working tirelessly to save them.
The SPCA of Texas (Dallas) has ongoing rescue work for many animals and always appreciates donations. Anyone wishing to donate to them may send their donations via their website.
For SPCA's wish list, check out their wish list page.
To volunteer to assist in caring for other animals, please call 214) 742-7722 in Dallas; there are other locations in Northern Texas as well. Check their website for locations in Dallas, Denton, and McKinney, Texas.
If interested in adopting an a domestic animal, please call 214) 742-7722, or visit the following locations where animals are being shown:
Cats only:
SPCA of Texas -
PetSmart in Grand Prairie
2309 West Interstate 20
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
972-660-8844
Duncanville and Mesquite have PetSmart locations which also show cats only; Mesquite and Cedar Hill show rabbits only. For all PetSmart locations which show SPCA animals available for adoption, check out their website.
For further information, please see the following;
For more information about adoption and care of hedgehogs, contact the Hedgehog Welfare Society.
Comments
How was this a rescue when so many are dying? What a farce the SPCA is! The Texas SPCA has been busted in the past for such "rescues" being more theft under color of law than any true "rescue". sHAME ON THE EXAMINER FOR NOT LOOKING INTO THIS DEEPER... FLUFF REPORTING. nO WONDER NEWSPAPERS ARE A dying breed LIKE THE RESCUED ANIMALS.
This was handled through the courts; it was the legal finding that the animals should be removed and given to the SPCA for care.
I find it VERY odd that the ASPCA, which I donate to each month rescued THOUSANDS of these exotics YET.......they have made it clear that NONE of these animals will be allowed to be adopted out....NOT EVEN to homes/people experienced with the care and raising of exotics. WHERE exactly do they plan to keep them all. The animals rescued...iguanas, turtles, snakes, lizards, are all truly a dime a dozen. IF they expect that Zoo's across the country are going to be willing to take in hundreds of turtles or snakes they are foolish! I truly do NOT understand why it is they would NOT allow those who are experienced and can afford to give a turtle or a lizard a new, clean, safe, enviroment to live in....would be turned down and told no. Something about this just doesn't sound right to me.
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