Harris County deputies say a Windfern Road property turned into an animal neglect scene so bad they slapped the owners with a 24-hour fix-it notice or risk losing their animals.
Constable Precinct 4 deputies reported finding a very thin dog with no proper shelter and flies swarming its ears at a property in the 10100 block of Windfern Road on Thursday. According to the constable's office, deceased chickens were scattered on the ground while other birds nearby were pecking at each other in visible distress. Investigators say that combination of conditions triggered the tight 24-hour deadline for the owners to clean things up or face seizure of the animals.
According to a post by Precinct 4, Deputy Martin and the Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit responded to the call and documented what they saw. The office says investigators photographed the property, opened a formal case and stressed that the owners "will face seizure of the animals" if they do not comply with the notice.
What deputies reported
In its write-up of the call, Precinct 4 describes multiple birds on the property, some already dead, while other chickens showed clear signs of distress. The dog on-site was described as emaciated and without shelter. Deputies say those conditions justified giving the owners just 24 hours to correct the problems.
If the situation is not remedied, the constable's office says animal-control officials or the courts could be asked to step in and seize the animals. Precinct 4 has shared similar field investigations and follow-up posts on its website and social channels, which it says are part of its ongoing community outreach efforts.
What the law allows
Under Texas law, certain forms of animal neglect and cruelty can lead to criminal charges and give officers a legal route to remove animals from dangerous conditions.
Per Texas Penal Code §42.092, available at FindLaw, and state statutes on treatment and disposition of animals posted on AnimalLaw.info, officers can seek warrants to seize animals, and the law spells out how those animals must be cared for while a court decides what ultimately happens to them.
How to report concerns
If you witness suspected animal cruelty in Harris County, officials urge you to report it to the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce at 927PAWS.org or by calling 832-927-PAWS.
Harris County Pets lists additional resources and shelter contacts for animals in need of immediate care at countypets.com.
Per Precinct 4, the investigation into the Windfern Road property remains active. Deputies reiterated that the owners must correct the conditions within 24 hours or the animals may be seized. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the constable's office or submit tips through the county's reporting channels.
