Cruelty to Livestock Animals

On July 20, 2016, Tom Green County Sheriff's Office received a complaint from a concerned citizen in reference to malnourished horses on a property off of US 67 South. Sheriff's 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 horses were examined by the investigators along with a local veterinarian and it was determined the horses were severely malnourished and the condition of the horses was severe enough to get a court order to seize the horses.

On July 21, 2016, the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office was issued an order to seize 12 horses from the property. The order was issued by Justice of the Peace Eddie Howard. Investigators seized 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 investigation is ongoing and 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, Inc. located at 1318 N. Chadbourne St. , San Angelo, Texas.   Palmer Feed & Ranch Supply is assisting in the rehabilitation of the horses.